RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IN MONGOLIA: LIBERAL MEDIA THEORY AND POLITICAL REPORTING

Abstract

Due to technological development and social media usage in the digital era right to freedom of expression has become more accessible than ever before people exercise their rights efficiently. However, disinformation is a considerably negative impact on society. To combat disinformation, the Mongolian government has revised Criminal Code which came into effect on 10 January 2020, and spreading false information has been considered a criminal offense, it has become a barrier to freedom of expression in Mongolia. Many studies find that politicians are required to have a high moral standard because they lead society and set ethical standards and values. Instead of respecting the media's right to criticize, politicians use criminal law to repress media and journalists. Restricting freedom of opinion under the criminal code might somehow reduce hate speech and disinformation in society but could not protect politicians' honor. It creates fear in society and violates human rights. Mongolia has guaranteed freedom of expression and information in 1992’s constitutional law and ratified International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. However, restrictions and abuses of journalists continue to occur, press freedom shrinking year by year, and it has reached a historical low in the last ten years. The major objective of this study was to look into the main factors that violate and restrict political journalists' right to know and access information and contributes to independent professional journalism in Mongolia.