The news that cases against policemen relating to death and injury in firing on July 1, 2008 will be reopened and re-investigated has put new hope for justice among the members of the victims’ families. Ts.Enkhbayar, whose son E.Dorjsuren was among those killed, talks to our journalist after he met with State Prosecutor-General D.Dorligjav.

How did you get to know that the cases are to be re-investigated?

I learnt this from newspaper journalists who had called me and asked if I knew about the development. Now I have an official letter from the State Prosecutor General’s Office, saying “Your complaints to the State Prosecutor-General are being studied. The cases against Ch.Amarbat and others that were closed are being re-examined and transferred to the Investigation Office.” It is signed by “Prosecutor-General and Head Counselor of Justice D.Dorligjav”.

What did you discuss with him?

I requested him to find the truth about how innocent lives, including that of my son, were lost. Dorligjav assured me that the fresh investigation will be fruitful.

You did not have any other request?

I pointed out anomalies in the report of the last investigation. For example, it refers to Article 40.1 of the law on police organizations which authorizes police to fire in self-defense. But no evidence was found that any of the five people killed had attacked the police.

Did he say what specific aspects will now be re-investigated?

He was not very definite but I expect that the review will include cases against the former Chief of the Police General Department, Maj. Gen. Ch.Amarbold; the former Chief of the Capital City Police Board, O.Zorigt; the former Chairman of the Order Department. Lt. Col. G.Ganbaatar; and the Patrol Security Manager, Col. Sh.Batsukh.  
The present decision comes after I had made similar requests twice to the Capital City Prosecutors’ Board and thrice to the State Prosecutors’ Board following the February  2009 announcement that all cases were being closed as it was not possible to decide on individual responsibility for the deaths in firing. If the police did not shoot, why did the state give us compensation?

I am ready to go to international forums if the fresh investigation does not reveal the truth before long.