Thousands of people have taken to the streets in Mongolia to protest for the third consecutive day against the government and corruption in the coal industry after thousands of tons of the fuel were stolen.
The demonstrators, who have gathered in front of the Mongolian Parliament in the capital Ulaanbaatar, have been involved in a series of clashes with police officers, at least thirteen of whom have been injured.
The General Department of the Mongolian Police said that one of them had to be hospitalized and also denounced acts of «vandalism» by the demonstrators, whom it accused of breaking windows and doors of a government building.
Security forces have reported that at least two people have been detained after protesters set fire to a Christmas fir tree in Sukh Bator Square, where they have also set fire to several vehicles, according to information from the daily ‘Onoodor’.
The population began protesting for the first time on Sunday in front of the residence of the country’s president, Ujnaa Jurelsuj, to demand that those responsible for corruption in the coal industry be brought to justice. They have also demanded the resignation or dismissal of members of the government under investigation for stealing vast sums of coal.
The authorities are currently investigating the theft of 385,000 tons of coal valued at some 1.8 billion dollars, as explained by the government. In total, some fifteen high-ranking officials are being investigated for their involvement in the alleged crime.
Among the accused are the former directors of the country’s state-owned railway company, as well as the head of customs and the head of the Border Protection Department. The country has been severely affected by the consequences of the war in Ukraine and slowing economic growth in China.
Despite the protests becoming increasingly purple, the State Great Khural, the Mongolian Parliament, has refused for the time being to decree a state of emergency in the country.
