Former deputy speaker describes situation as absurd after being charged with ‘effort to unlawfully seize state power’
A number of younger Mongolian politicians, including many women, are facing the threat of extended jail sentences for their role in challenging the country’s political leadership, in what they claim are early skirmishes in a battle to prevent a slide into authoritarianism.
The dispute forms part of a factional power struggle in the ruling party that is threatening to weaken Mongolia, one of the few democracies in the region, as it seeks to navigate a foreign policy independent of neighbouring Russia and China.
The former deputy speaker of the parliament, Yale-educated Bulgantuya Khürelbaatar, told the Guardian she was facing the threat of 12 to 20 years in jail after being charged with the criminal offence of “an organised effort to unlawfully seize or retain state power”. She described the charge as absurd and unprecedented in Mongolia.
She also says she has been banned from leaving the country and had restrictions placed on her movements inside Mongolia. The charges have been brought with the help of the country’s state intelligence agency.
