IFJ Calls For An End To Police Brutality In Mongolia

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) demands a full investigation into police brutality against journalists in Mongolia, after police attacked journalists and photographers while they were covering a civil society demonstration on October 27, and then detained them for two hours.

According to Globe International, during the mass arrest, police officers assaulted journalists G. Erdenebat and B. Khajidmaa and photographer Ya. Aranjinbaatar of the daily Udriin sonin, as well as photojournalist Sh. Gerelsaikhan of Ardiin erkh, destroyed one of their cameras, and confiscated their documents.

“This is disgusting behaviour by police officers, and this sort of brutality must not be allowed to continue,” IFJ President Christopher Warren said.

“The IFJ calls on the Mongolian government to launch a swift and independent investigation into these allegations, and ensure that police violence again journalists is no longer tolerated,” said the president of the IFJ, the organisation representing more than 500,000 journalists in over 115 countries.

According to Globe, the public relations office of the General Police Department, denied the claims of violent force, however admitted to detaining the journalists arguing that it was difficult to differentiate journalists from demonstrators.

However, B. Khajidmaa, a female journalist, was reportedly beaten by police with batons and her face and body were severely injured.

Udriin sonin reportedly held a press conference calling for solidarity from journalists to stop authorities violating the rights of journalists.

“Journalists must be free to report on public events without fear of attack or abuse, especially from members of the police force,” Warren said.

“The IFJ demands greater protections for the rights and safety of journalists in Mongolia, and thus stronger support from the government for the public’s right to know,” the IFJ president said.

For more information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +61 2 9333 0919

The IFJ represents over 500,000 journalists in 115 countries worldwide