The meeting of the Sub-Committee on Human Rights, scheduled for yesterday, could not be held because there was no quorum, leading to speculation that MPs are not very willing to talk about the July 1 incidents. The head of the sub-committee, MP Kh.Temuujin, answers questions on the issue.

What has been the group’s finding so far?

We are still at work. Two issues need to be resolved. One is related to the National Human Rights Commission suggestion to the Government to issue a public apology to the victims. The other relates to what action can be taken against whom after it has been established that policemen fired on the protesters.

Can the President represent the Government and apologize to the people?

How can the present President apologize when his predecessor declared the state of emergency? Besides, an apology will not be all. There is the question of compensation to the injured. Also arrangements must be made by Parliament, the Government and the Ministry for Internal Affairs to install a process to ensure no repetition of such events. What should the police do in the case of another such protest? There must be clear guidelines on the use of fire arms. The executive branch cannot have unlimited power.

Have you discussed this with the law enforcement organizations?

The police met us. Over the years Parliament has delegated power to the lower levels and it is difficult to identify those responsible when human rights are violated in this manner. There is no law that can be applied. There are procedures, but breaching them is not the same as violating a law. There is also uncertainty about the role of prosecutors. They need to be questioned on why they thought those responsible for the firing could not be identified. Did they shy away from the task or are the laws not adequate? The Director of General Police also needs to explain a few things.

Since everything was done under cover of emergency, we are studying the rules related to the National Security Council. Why did the director of the Emergency Authority fail to control the situation? Did the President make it clear what actions should be taken?  Parliament will have to decide many unanswered questions.

Why Parliament?

Because that is the supreme authority. MPs must hear the problems and ask questions. Unfortunately many did not come today even after the hearing had been postponed three times already. We have now postponed the meeting to April 21.