Taslima Nasrin, far left, is attacked by Muslim protesters, unseen during her book release in Hyderabad, India, 09 Aug 2007

A group of Muslim protesters in India has attacked an exiled Bangladeshi author and feminist at a book launch in the country's south.

Lawmakers and members of a Muslim political party (All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen) stormed the press club in the city of Hyderabad Thursday, shouting, overturning furniture and throwing objects at controversial novelist Taslima Nasreen.

Nasreen escaped unhurt with the help of police.

Some radical Muslims object to what they call Nasreen's anti-Islam writings and comments. The author and feminist has criticized Islam and other religions for oppressing people, especially women. Several of her books have been banned in Bangladesh.

Nasreen fled her home country in 1994 when Islamist extremists threatened to kill her. The Bangladeshi author still faces death threats.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.