Massive riots are taking place in Mongolia’s capital this week- it’s been going on for the last few days. Authorities are investigating an alleged massive theft of exported coal.
According to media reports, about 6-point-5 million tons of coal were smuggled out of the country under an alleged corruption scheme, with a vast portion of that heading to neighboring China while bypassing customs. The stolen coal is estimated to be worth some $1-point-8 billion.
Footage circulating online shows scores of people demonstrating in front of the government palace, demanding transparency in the coal scandal investigation and publicly naming the suspects. The protesters were seen carrying placards reading “don’t steal our future” and “let’s live a fair and beautiful life in Mongolia.”
There are reports of the protests becoming violent- but so far no video has emerged to support that claim. Some of the protesters were filmed fighting with law enforcement officials inside the building, and a number of them were briefly detained following the incident. At least six police officers and four protesters have reportedly been injured in the clashes.
