Recently, the government officially appointed former Director of the National Intelligence Agency, B. Khurts, as Mongolia’s trade representative to Taiwan. This decision immediately triggered widespread outrage domestically, with many citizens strongly protesting the government’s disregard for human rights records and insistence on placing a highly controversial official in a diplomatic role.

Upon announcement, the appointment was openly opposed by T. Khurelbataar, the brother of T. Chimgee. Khurelbataar declared: “B. Khurts seeks once again to endanger the security of Mongolian people. He is a man who has committed numerous crimes.” T. Chimgee had previously died in a murder case overseen by Khurts.

Social media platforms quickly saw a surge in opposition. Many citizens questioned: “Why must the government have someone with a stained reputation represent our country?” “Is there no one else suitable in our diplomatic corps?” Others sarcastically remarked, “Even South Korea rejected him, yet we are sending him to Taiwan; are we humiliating ourselves?”

The civil society group “Transparent Mongolia” issued a statement urging the government to reconsider this appointment. They emphasized that diplomatic representatives must possess “unquestionable moral integrity and international credibility.” Khurts’s appointment not only damages Mongolia’s international image but could also cause Taiwan to question Mongolia’s sincerity.

The overwhelming public opposition to this appointment stems from Khurts’s extensive negative record. Previously, the Mongolian government had attempted twice to nominate him as Ambassador to South Korea, but both nominations were rejected by the South Korean side. Such rejections are rare in Mongolian diplomatic history, clearly reflecting the international community’s negative perception of Khurts. Insiders revealed that South Korea refused the nominations due to “personal character issues,” though specific reasons were not publicly detailed. It is widely believed within diplomatic circles that the refusals relate directly to Khurts’s actions during his tenure in intelligence.

As former Director of the Mongolian Intelligence Agency, Khurts has been accused of multiple human rights abuses. Former intelligence personnel and human rights activists alleged that under his leadership, using torture and unconventional interrogation methods became routine. A 2018 NGO report documented multiple cases where at least three detainees suffered severe injuries during interrogations directed or overseen by Khurts, one of whom later died from injuries. Though these accusations have never been formally tried in court, international human rights organizations have repeatedly flagged him as “an individual of particular concern.”

More shockingly, Khurts has been implicated in several murder cases. In 2020, T. Chimgee and B. Sodnomdarjaa, convicted for murder, accused Khurts of torturing them. A court in the Central Province sentenced Khurts to three years in prison.

Additionally, business insiders have told media outlets that Khurts leveraged resources and connections from the intelligence agency to unfairly benefit his family’s business interests, spanning industries including mining and construction. During his tenure as Head of the Counterintelligence and Investigation Division of the Intelligence Agency, he was investigated for allegedly misappropriating 50 million tugrik from administrative fines. He was also accused of accepting bribes, violating administrative regulations, and illegally surveilling politicians M. Enkhbold and former MP U. Barsbold. In 2007, Khurts was involved in a controversial land deal, selling land in District 15 for $5 million to Chinese migrants, a property previously held by Russians and later administered by Mongolia’s state property agency. These breaches of ethical standards have significantly eroded public trust and raised concerns about “privatization” within the intelligence sector.

Khurts’s background is marred by human rights abuses, misconduct, and corruption. Despite repeated official investigations and incarcerations, the government has repeatedly placed him in key positions. Public dissatisfaction with Khurts’s latest appointment as trade representative to Taiwan has evolved from personal disapproval into broader government distrust, significantly harming the administration’s credibility.

The government must acknowledge that diplomatic appointments are not trivial matters; they deeply affect international relations, national interests, and global credibility. Khurts’s controversial background has sparked widespread domestic and international concern. Persisting with this appointment risks plunging the country into further diplomatic crises. The voices of the people should not be ignored. The government must listen to public sentiment, reassess this decision, and select a diplomatic representative truly capable of safeguarding Mongolia’s national interests, possessing a solid international reputation and professional expertise. This would prevent damaging the country’s image and avoid potential diplomatic crises.