In an article yesterday, I highlighted the various ways in which former President Enkhbayar’s trial has been corrupted by both the court system and President Elbegdorj’s political vendetta. Enkhbayar was most certainly not presumed innocent until proven guilty and many of the key witnesses never testified. It is therefore unsurprising that he was convicted.
Enkhbayar’s maltreatment in prison has continued. He fell in his cell on Wednesday night and was unconscious for upwards of fifteen minutes. He bears a cut on the left side of his face now and although he was given a medical examination, the examiner has yet to release the results to his lawyer or family.
While they work around the clock to ensure that Enkhbayar can get to a hospital and see a doctor outside the system, I feel that it is important to highlight the continued abuse in this case.
Enkhbayar was a public servant and a man who did a great deal for Mongolia. He has been woefully mistreated in both the courts and now, again, in prison. It is shameful that his case has not attracted more attention and that the international community is willing to stand by while the former president of a democratic nation is ill-treated to this level.
I will continue to write until something is done and it must be done quickly, for both Enkhbayar and the health of democracy in Mongolia.
