Things have gone from bad to worse. Former President Enkhbayar’s condition is deteriorating and still nothing is being done. The Mongolian Ministry of Health sent doctors to evaluate Enkhbayar and their recommendation is continually ignored: Enkhbayar must be taken to a hospital.
In his condition, he cannot be cared for in prison. Law enforcement agencies and the prison authorities have all the facts concerning his health and, despite this, persist in carrying out President Elbegdorj’s political vendetta against Enkhbayar, no matter the consequences.
Indeed, Mongolians have taken notice of this injustice, but yet the government ignores the voice of the people. Further, the Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Party sent a letter to President Elbegdorj requesting that he respect Enkhbayar’s contribution to Mongolia by protecting his health. The outcome was as one would expect from a corrupt regime: nothing. Enkhbayar is still held in his cell while his family fight to get him the proper medical attention and care he needs and, most importantly, deserves.
Enkhbayar is no ordinary man. His career, his trial and now his continued fight from behind bars for the future of Mongolia sends a clear message about the strength of his character and the will of those that are true supporters of democracy and the rule of law.
With each day that passes, the West’s general indifference to Enkhbayar’s situation becomes more worrying. It calls into question how far we are really prepared to go to protect and foster democracy. To be sure, Enkhbayar’s case provides a test for the West and our dedication to the core values we extol and market to nations across the globe.
If Enkhbayar’s condition continues to decline and he remains in prison without access to proper medical care, we will all be responsible. The international community has the power to influence this situation and it must.
Though it hasn’t been given its due attention thus far, this case will surely be remembered. And it would be best for it to be thought of as a victory not only for Enkhbayar, but also for those Western nations that went out of their way to protect democracy.
