(CJES/IFEX) – The following is a press release by Globe International, which is being circulated by CJES under a partnership agreement: MONGOLIA: TV journalist target of recent attacks On the night of 19 December 2005, unknown individuals vandalised the vehicle of television journalist G. Batjav near his home in Ulaanbaatar. All of the windows were […]
(CJES/IFEX) – The following is a press release by Globe International, which is being circulated by CJES under a partnership agreement:
MONGOLIA: TV journalist target of recent attacks
On the night of 19 December 2005, unknown individuals vandalised the vehicle of television journalist G. Batjav near his home in Ulaanbaatar. All of the windows were broken, both mirrors were torn off and the interior of the car was destroyed. However, no valuables or parts were taken.
Police Lieutenant Mr. D. Ankhbayar is investigating the incident. He said that it was not certain whether it was motivated by Batjav’s journalistic work or was simply an act of vandalism.
Previously, on 9 November, three individuals assaulted Batjav while he was having lunch in a small restaurant in the Sukhbaatar district of the capital, Ulaanbaatar. One of the men subdued him while a second kicked the journalist in the stomach. Batjav lost his two front teeth in the attack. One of the men also took Batjav by his collar and told him, “Stop doing this kind of job”. The attackers then fled.
During the two months prior to this assault, Batjav had investigated a few cases of corruption connected to the General Department of Social Insurance, the General Intelligence Department and the General Department of National Taxation and had prepared programs on the matter for Eagle TV, where he is employed.
After the 19 December incident, Batjav was asked to meet Mr. S. Erdene, general director of the General Department of Social Insurance, whose name was mentioned in the coverage. Mr. S. Erdene demanded that Batjay reveal his sources of information and evidence. He also insulted Batjav for mentioning his name in his reportage.
Batjav considers that the vandalism of his car was an attempt to threaten him, in order to impede his professional journalistic activity. Together with Eagle TV executives, he informed the Police Department of Sukhbaatar district, and also submitted information to the U.S. Embassy and the Mongolian Press Institute about this incident.
To date, the police investigation has not yet reached any conclusion. Globe International therefore demands that the police intensify their investigation.
Meanwhile, Batjav’s TV program will be aired by Eagle TV the week of 23 January.