On 17 March 2025, Mongolian police raided the newsroom of Noorog, an independent media outlet in Ulaanbaatar, seizing equipment and interrogating eight staff members overnight. Initially accused of “undermining national unity,” the journalists have faced shifting allegations, including “illegal gambling” and “spreading false information” – raising concerns that the charges are politically motivated.
The raid is seen as a tactic linked to Noorog’s upcoming documentary on Mongolia’s 2024 parliamentary elections, which examines political party tactics to influence voters. Press freedom organisations, including Reporters Without Borders, have condemned the operation as an attack on independent journalism, warning that shows a troubling trend of media suppression in Mongolia.
Government officials, however, maintain that the investigation is based on legal grounds, citing complaints that Noorog’s content may have contributed to suicide risks and violated gambling laws. They emphasize that the investigation is ongoing and stress the importance of allowing due process to unfold.
The case has sparked broader debate over the balance between press freedom and government oversight in Mongolia. While critics fear a chilling effect on independent journalism, authorities assert that legal accountability must apply equally to all media actors. The outcome of this investigation may have lasting implications for the country’s media landscape. The controversy may further weaken public trust in civil society organizations.