International Freedom of Expression Exchange: The global network for free expression
13 November 2007
GLOBE VOWS TO PROTECT JOURNALISTS
Last month, Mongolian citizen N. Demberel was convicted under the criminal law of defamation and fined nearly 10 million Tugrugs (US$8,450) - 130 times the amount of a minimum-wage, monthly salary in Mongolia. His crime? He had written an article and broadcast a TV show that criticised public officials, the "red-eyed oligarchy", in his country.
Globe International has found that the main concerns of journalists in Mongolia are the tough criminal defamation laws and the absence of protection of confidential sources, which make journalists afraid of getting fined, brought to court and even jailed for their work.
So Globe has set out to provide greater security for Mongolia's media with a six-month project. It hopes to draft legislation on the protection of journalists' sources and to bring Mongolia's criminal defamation laws in line with international standards.
The project, funded by the U.S. Embassy, is aimed at promoting the media's role in contributing to transparent and accountable governance and curbing corruption by improving legal protections for reporters and whistleblowers.
For further information, contact Globe International at: globe@magicnet.mn and visit: http://globeinter.org.mn, http://www.monitoring.mn
(13 November 2007)
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