Journalist Unurceceg Naran Sentenced to Nearly Five Years in Prison
On Friday, July 19, a Mongolian court sentenced journalist Unurceceg Naran to nearly five years in prison. This decision has raised concerns among local analysts and media representatives, as well as alarm among journalists in Mongolia.
During a closed trial, the court found Unurceceg guilty of spreading false information, tax evasion, money laundering, disclosure of personal secrets, and illegal acquisition of state secrets. The journalist, who denies any wrongdoing, was sentenced to four years and nine months in prison.
Unurceceg is the editor-in-chief of the news website Zarig. She was arrested in December 2023 on charges of spreading false information and contempt of court. Later, more serious charges were brought against her, but she was released on house arrest in February.
Unurceceg has the right to appeal the verdict.
Concerns in the Media Sector
Freelance journalist from Ulaanbaatar Anand Tumurtogoo noted that the sentence has caused alarm among Mongolian media.
«This is a dark day for the media sector in Mongolia. It has instilled fear among Mongolian journalists. If you conflict with those in power, you will face consequences,» said Anand, who has worked with publications such as Foreign Policy, ProPublica, and VOA Mandarin Service.
Unurceceg is known in Mongolia for her critical investigations. She has worked on investigations related to companies not repaying loans, violence in Buddhist schools, and issues in the military.
Freedom of Press Concerns
Galbaatar Lkhagvasuren, a lawyer from the Globe International Center, which promotes democracy in Mongolia, believes that Unurceceg’s case demonstrates unacceptable restrictions for journalists in Mongolia.
«These accusations threaten the freedom of journalistic activities and freedom of speech,» he said.
According to press freedom organizations, defamation cases are often used as tools of political revenge in Mongolia.
In 2019, Unurceceg faced 12 defamation complaints from politicians mentioned in her publications, and another four complaints in 2020.
Mongolia ranks 109 out of 180 in the World Press Freedom Index, indicating certain issues in the country’s freedom of speech.
