International organisations call on Mongolian parliament to withdraw corruption amnesty law

Transparency International, its national chapter in Mongolia, and the UNCAC Coalition publish joint statement to prevent amnesty law.

Transparency International, the global anti-corruption movement, its chapter in Mongolia and the UNCAC Coalition, an international umbrella group representing more than 300 civil society organisations, call on the parliament in Mongolia to reject a new law with provisions granting amnesty to those under investigation for corruption.

This new law would terminate 45 out of the 55 cases that the Independent Agency against Corruption in Mongolia (IAAC) is investigating and grant amnesty to the accused. The alleged crimes involve more than 32 billion Mongolian Togrog (US$16.2 million).

In August the president of Mongolia vetoed sections of a similar law that would have granted amnesty to those currently serving prison terms and those under investigation for corruption following pressure from the public and Transparency International. But a parliamentary committee has introduced for debate a new version of the vetoed law with the same amnesty provisions.

“This is a blatant attempt by politicians to grant themselves impunity. Anyone accused of corruption must be investigated. We assume the government and parliament of Mongolia is not willing to involve itself in such an international scandal and will throw the law out immediately,” said José Ugaz, chair of Transparency International.

"Mongolia is a party to the UN Convention against Corruption and the UNCAC review process already raised serious questions about the Mongolian enforcement system. This new legislation, if adopted, would further undermine the rule of law in Mongolia,” said Manzoor Hasan, chair of the UNCAC Coalition.

At its annual meeting in September, the Transparency International movement resolved to press for reconciliation and amnesty laws of Tunisia and Mongolia that do not legalise impunity but adhere to strict and transparent criteria in the administration of justice in accordance with international anti-corruption conventions.

For any press enquiries please contact

Chris Sanders
Transparency International
+49 30 3438 20 666
[email protected]

Batbayar Ochirbat
Transparency International Mongolia
+97670120012
[email protected]