Are the Mongolian authorities getting away with murder?
Ten police officers have been arrested and charged with premeditated murder, after five people were killed during riots in Mongolia last year. Four of the victims died from gunshot wounds during the riots in Mongolia’s capital city of Ulaanbaatar on 1 July 2008. Violence broke out following allegations of widespread fraud in the parliamentary elections held on 29 June. The Mongolian government is being urged to conduct an independent and impartial investigation into police use of unnecessary and excessive force. The call comes amid fears that the perpetrators will not be brought to justice. The arrested officers are currently released on bail. During the riots, protestors targeted the Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Party (MPRP) headquarters. They set the building on fire and looted commercial offices. Hundreds of civilians including police officers were injured. According to local news reports, police used tear gas, rubber bullets and live ammunition to suppress the riots. A state of
