The reason for the assault was purportedly that the television crew aired one-sided news reports that did not serve the interests of an investor who was running for parliamentary election.
(Globe International/IFEX) – 2 July 2012 – Globe International is deeply concerned about an attack on journalists and camera operators from the Sky television station based in Khuvsgul aimag. The media personnel were verbally attacked and beaten, resulting in serious injuries for some.
On the night of 28 June 2012 at 1:00 a.m., when voting for parliamentary elections was nearing completion and the television crew was airing the preliminary results, B. Ganzorig, the executive director of Khuvsgul News LLC, which is the investing company of Sky television, entered the premises of the television station along with several other individuals. Ganzorig beat and injured four journalists and four camera operators. The reason for the assault was purportedly that the television crew aired one-sided news reports that did not serve the interests of an investor who was running for election.
Globe International condemns Ganzorig’s brutal actions, considering them to be a crime as they violate the constitutional right to personal liberty and safety, the right to media freedom and editorial independence, the professional rights of journalists and the public’s right to receive objective information.
After the incident, the entire crew left the station. They are awaiting a medical report regarding their injuries. The local law enforcement agencies have initiated legal proceedings against the perpetrators of the assault.
Globe International believes the Khuvsgul aimag law enforcement agencies must conduct a thorough investigation into this incident and punish those responsible in accordance with the law.
A recording of the incident has been posted on YouTube.
