Alert — Mongolia
3 September 2010
SOURCE: Globe International NGO

On 27 August 2010 host computer of the daily newspaper “Niigmiin toli” (Public`s mirror) based in Ulaanbaatar, capital city of Mongolia, has been confiscated by the officers of General Authority for Implementing Court Decisions (GAFICD). Journalists of the newspaper were offering other computer instead of confiscated computer which wasn’t allowed to be sealed, but they didn`t consent. Above computer contains all of information of the newspaper activities, including many confidential sources. Journalists of the newspaper are considering current case as a violation of their rights.

In order to enforce the decision of Chingeltei District Court decision, the officers of GAFICD have carried out above action.

On 1 September 2009 the newspaper had published letter received from citizens of Bayan-Olgii, far western kazakh province, in which they criticized wrong doings of their government officials.

After the publication, Mr.S.Khaval, Governor of Bayan-Olgii province, and other 7 public officials affected by the citizens letter, brought civil defamation case to the court and demanded 13 million MNT (about 10.000 USD).

On 24 December 2009 the Chingeltei District Court found the newspaper guilty of slander and defamation and ordered to publish retraction with apologize and pay 1 million 700,0 MNT (about 1300 USD) to the complainants. The newspaper disagreed with the decision and applied to the Capital City Court. Unfortunately, the Capital City court to be held from 1 to 3 March 2010 affirmed first instance court decision.

“Citizens of Bayan-Olgii province have been announcing hunger strike requiring Mr.S.Khaval (above mentioned complainants) from his position and over 3000 people have signed the petition. Therefore, the newspaper considered that the publication was not groundless.” said Ms.B.Yondonduichir, Head of Administration Department of “Niigmiin toli” newspaper.

Ms.Kh.Naranjargal, President of Globe International NGO, in her interview on channel “C1” and “Odriin sonin” (“Daily news” paper) on 31 August 2010 protested the action of GAFICD and strongly criticized that government officials and public servants still use provisions of the Criminal Code and Civil Law to censor and pressure the media. She also concerns about journalistic duty to protect their confidential sources.

Globe International, a member of IFEX, is a NGO, which protects rights of independent media and monitors violations of freedom of expression in Mongolia.

Globe International NGO
Chingeltei district, 6th khoroo,
Diplomat 95 Complex, Entrance 6, #70, 
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Phone: +976 324764, +976 324627
Fax: +976 315326
E-mail: hnaran@globeinter.org.mn
           globenews@globeinter.org.mn
           globe@globeinter.org.mn,
Web site:  www.globeinter.org.mn 

ALERT
Authorities confiscate computer containing newspaper's confidential information
http://www.ifex.org/mongolia