Alert
18 January 2012
SOURCE: Globe International NGO

On 6 September 2011, female journalist J.Minjin of TV-8 television broadcasted a news item about complaints by former members of “World Mission Society Church of God” and certain sources, concerning "doubtful" preaching by the church.

The journalist broadcasted the news in front of a school located near the church noting:”We do not have the intention of impinging on someone`s right to religion. When we asked members of the church for clarification, they were all scared. However, we are concerned about the troubling issues on whether someone made others suffer moral and financial damages and had a negative influence on them. Therefore, we are broadcasting about it only to raise the issues without any intention of violating others' rights.”

After the news, the journalist received many phone calls day and night from Mongolian members of the church. They threatened the journalist saying, “We will kill you. We will curse you” and screamed loudly. Moreover, one member of the church entered the premises of TV-8 several times and made death threats against its staff.

On 27 December 2011, the “World Mission Society Church of God” filed a lawsuit against TV-8 television and journalist Minjin in the Chingeltei District court. In its claim the church accused TV-8 television and journalist Minjin of slandering their reputation and impinging on their right to religion. They also demanded MNT 30 million (approx. US $22,000) as payment for moral and reputation damages to the church and its members, and asked for a broadcast of a retraction and apology. The claim included signatures of ten Mongolian members of the church and its head Kim Ul San.

Globe International has been providing legal assistance to TV-8 television and the journalist J.Minjin.

For more information:
Globe International
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
http://www.gic.mn