July 1 cases against police reopened

State Prosecutor General D.Dorligjav has ordered a fresh investigation into the police firing on July 1, 2008 which resulted in the death of five citizens. Initially, senior officials such as the head of the General Police Authority, Maj-Gen. Ch.Amarbold, the head of the Metropolitan Police Authority, Mr. O.Zorigt, the head of the Public Discipline Department, Mr. G.Ganbaatar, and the head of the Patrol Department, Mr. Sh.Batsukh, were investigated for abuse of power and causing massive damage. Policemen Ya.Khorlooryembuuchii, D.Tumurbaatar, U.Darjaa, Yu.Gantulga, A.Uuganbayar, B.Battseren and N.Ariunbold were investigated for intended murder.

After 18 months of investigation, the cases against all of them were withdrawn on February 3, 2010 under orders from Mr. Yo.Sagsai, investigating prosecutor at the Metropolitan Prosecuting Authority. The senior officials were cleared under the Amnesty Law, while the cases against the policemen were closed with the explanation that “even though they had admitted to opening fire, it cannot be ascertained who fired the fatal shots.”

There was widespread popular discontent at the decision. Families of the victims kept on complaining to the authorities and even went on a hunger strike, but the Government did not budge. President Ts.Elbegdorj had always said he wished to see the case to an end and his appointment of D.Dorligjav as the Prosecutor General was seen as a step in that direction.
source: www.news.mn