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Ex-president of Mongolia gets 4 years in prison for corruption

Enkhbayar’s lawyer has 14 days to lodge an appeal

Photo ITAR-TASS

Photo ITAR-TASS

ULAN-BATOR, August 3 (Itar-Tass) — Former President of Mongolia Nambaryn Enkhbayar has been found guilty of corruption and sentenced to four years in prison and confiscation of property worth MNT 25 million (18 thousand and 660 US dollars,” the Mongolian media reported on Friday.

The court delivered a guilty verdict to the former president of the country and initially sentenced Enkhbayar to seven years’ imprisonment, but later reduced the sentence by three years. Four former members of the country’s government and a businessman were also found guilty of corruption together with the ex-president and abuse of office.

“The results of this trial will show whether or not Mongolia is a truly democratic country. State prosecutors have distorted the true facts in order to sue me for political reasons. They represent the old times. I’m not afraid of anyone and will fight for justice and a new Mongolia,” Enkhbayar said after a three-day session of the court. His supporters from the Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Party (MPRP) led by him, protested against the court decision, there were even clashes with the police.

Enkhbayar’s lawyer has 14 days to lodge an appeal.

Many television channels of Mongolia were transmitting life broadcasts of this high-profile trial.

Enkhbayar was elected the country’s president in 2005. He occupied this post until 2009.

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