Former rebel Maoists now govern Nepal after winning elections earlier this year, but they face criticism for the violent activities of their youth wing, the Young Communist League.

'While beating our staff they warned us not to write any anti-Maoist stories,' said Kiran Nepal, an editor with the Himal media group, which produces one weekly English-language newspaper and two news magazines.

Around 50 Maoist-affiliated trade unionists and members of the feared youth wing stormed into the media group's headquarters, attacked staff and vandalised property, Nepal said.

'This is a threat to press freedom because it has come at a time when the Maoists are running the government, and their own activists are attacking publication houses,' he said.

No one was seriously hurt in the assault.

The Maoists have said they are committed to press freedom but trade unions affiliated with the ultra-leftists have recently forced newspapers to temporarily halt publication over industrial disputes. -- AFP