PUBLIC AI Index: ASA 30/003/2005

31 August 2005

Further Information on UA 128/05 (ASA 30/001/2005, 19 May 2005; ASA 30/002/2005, 23 June 2005) - Medical/Legal/Prisoner of Conscience

MONGOLIA Lodoisambuu Sanjaasuren – Lawyer and human rights defender, aged 60

Lawyer and human rights defender, Lodoisambuu Sanjaasuren was released 9 August 2005 after having served half of his 18-month sentence. He was convicted of exposing state secrets in November 2004. Amnesty International (AI) considered him to be a prisoner of conscience as he was arrested simply for protecting the rights of his client.

Lodoisambuu Sanjaasuren called AI Mongolia chairperson on 10 August to thank him for AI's assistance.

His lawyer sent an email on 26 August stating that “according to the criminal code of Mongolia, prisoners are entitled to a probation hearing after serving half of their sentence. Mr Sanjaasuren was granted probation for the period of his remaining sentence and he is free now.” He added that AI's efforts “truly influenced the Mongolian court to mitigate the sentence and release Mr Sanjaasuren on probation.”

Many thanks to all those who sent appeals. No further action is required from the UA Network.