Naran Unurtsetseg, a name synonymous with fearless journalism in Mongolia, has long been celebrated for her relentless pursuit of the truth. Her investigative reports exposed sexual abuse in a Buddhist boarding school, uncovered violence within the military, and challenged some of Mongolia’s most powerful figures.
Naran Unurtsetseg’s daring approach to journalism not only earned her widespread acclaim but also made her a target in a country grappling with deep-rooted corruption and power dynamics. Today, she finds herself on trial, under house arrest for nearly 200 days, and banned from continuing her journalistic work. Her case epitomizes the severe crackdown on press freedom that has become alarmingly prevalent in Mongolia.
The Decline of Press Freedom in Mongolia
Mongolia, a democratic nation sandwiched between the autocratic giants of China and Russia, was once a beacon of relative press freedom in the region. Its vibrant media landscape, characterized by a plethora of outlets representing a wide spectrum of political views, fostered a culture of open and confrontational debate. However, this reputation has been severely tarnished in recent years.
Reporters Without Borders ranked Mongolia 109th in the world in 2024, its lowest position in decades. This dramatic decline is attributed to the erosion of the rule of law and the government’s aggressive attempts to stifle criticism, particularly concerning its record on corruption.
Critics have pointed to recent amendments to anti-defamation and “fake news” laws, which now classify these offenses as criminal acts. These legal changes have granted authorities expansive powers to punish journalists. Additionally, reforms to the state secrets law have introduced harsh penalties for those who publish leaked government documents, with potential prison sentences of up to eight years.
Galbaatar Lkhagvasuren, a lawyer at the non-profit Globe International Center, which advocates for press freedom, criticized these reforms, stating that responsibility for keeping state secrets should lie with officials, not ordinary citizens who might come across such information.
Naran Unurtsetseg’s Battle for Truth and Justice
Unurtsetseg’s confrontational style of journalism, particularly through her work with the media outlet Zarig, has made her both a revered figure among the public and a formidable enemy of the state. Her innovative use of live streaming on social media platforms like Facebook brought unprecedented transparency and engagement in Mongolian media.
Her relentless pursuit of truth saw her chase down corrupt politicians, expose brutal hazing rituals in the military, and challenge controversial religious successions. This boldness, however, also made her a target for those she sought to expose.
In December, the situation escalated when police arrested Unurtsetseg at Zarig’s offices following her criticism of judicial authorities on Facebook. This arrest, live-streamed by her fellow journalists in solidarity, marked the beginning of her legal troubles. Naran Unurtsetseg was slapped with nine charges from three different agencies, including spreading false information, defamation, tax evasion, and obtaining state secrets.
The charge of aiding foreign powers was eventually dropped due to lack of evidence, but the remaining charges still posed a significant threat to her freedom and career.
The Broader Impact on Mongolian Journalism
Naran Unurtsetseg’s arrest has sent shockwaves through Mongolia’s journalistic community, which, despite its small size, plays a crucial role in informing the country’s 3.4 million residents. The severity of her treatment has created a chilling effect, with many journalists now hesitant to report on sensitive or critical issues for fear of retribution.
Oyunchimeg Shashiimaa, chief editor at News.mn, expressed this growing apprehension, noting that journalists now face significant risks when publishing critical reports about state affairs.
The government’s heavy-handed approach to dissent and criticism is not limited to Naran Unurtsetseg’s case. In May, another journalist, Bayarmaa Ayurzana, was arrested after exposing alleged embezzlement by Mongolia’s deputy prime minister, a candidate in the legislative elections. This pattern of intimidation and legal persecution is indicative of a broader strategy to silence dissent and maintain control over the narrative.
The Erosion of Democratic Values
The crackdown on press freedom in Mongolia is a stark reminder of the fragility of democratic values. For years, Mongolia’s media landscape thrived on the principles of free expression and accountability. However, the recent legislative changes and the aggressive actions against journalists signify a dangerous shift towards authoritarianism. The amendments to anti-defamation and fake news laws, coupled with the stringent state secrets law, have equipped the government with powerful tools to suppress dissent.
The international community has taken note of these developments, with organizations like Reporters Without Borders and various human rights groups raising alarms about the deteriorating state of press freedom in Mongolia. Despite this, the Mongolian government has remained largely unresponsive to these criticisms, further entrenching its position.
The Future of Press Freedom in Mongolia
Naran Unurtsetseg’s trial is ongoing, with a verdict expected in early July. The outcome of this trial will undoubtedly have significant implications for the future of press freedom in Mongolia. If convicted, it would set a dangerous precedent, effectively legitimizing the government’s use of legal mechanisms to silence journalists and critics. This would not only undermine the principles of free expression but also erode public trust in the media and the judicial system.
Experts and local journalists agree that the severity of Naran Unurtsetseg’s treatment and the broader crackdown on the press serve as a clear message to all journalists in Mongolia: dissent will not be tolerated. Yesun-Erdene Tumurbaatar, a journalism teacher at the Press Institute of Mongolia, emphasized that Naran Unurtsetseg’s arrest was politically motivated, aimed at suppressing critical journalism rather than addressing any genuine legal infractions.
The situation in Mongolia is a poignant reminder of the vital role that a free press plays in a democratic society. Journalists like Naran Unurtsetseg, who risk their lives and careers to uncover the truth, are essential for holding power to account and ensuring transparency. The international community must continue to monitor the situation closely and advocate for the protection of press freedom in Mongolia.
The ongoing suppression of press freedom in Mongolia is not just a local issue; it is part of a broader global trend where authoritarian regimes use legal and extralegal measures to stifle dissent. As Naran Unurtsetseg’s trial unfolds, it is crucial that the world stands in solidarity with her and all journalists facing persecution, reaffirming the importance of a free and independent press in safeguarding democracy.
