Ulamsaikhan Otgon: The Recent Attack Explained
- Tseveenravdan Tsogbat
- Nov 12
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 13
Most parts of this article were developed using ChatGPT (GPT-5) to help organize and translate factual information, with all content verified and edited by Tseveenravdan Tsogbat and Undram Munkhbat.
From Youth Protest Leader to Victim of Violence
Ulamsaikhan Otgon, founder and CEO of Noorog Creative Studio, a well-known social media based independent media outlet in Mongolia, and is in a critical condition after being stabbed early on November 11, 2025. The incident, which took place around 4 a.m. in Bayanzurkh District's 26th khoroo, Ulaanbaatar Mongolia, which has drawn significant public attention amid ongoing concerns about safety of human rights defenders and media persons in Mongolia.
Who Is Ulamsaikhan Otgon?
Ulamsaikhan Otgon established Noorog Creative Studio in 2022, building a strong reputation for its creative storytelling and explanatory journalism. Noorog has become one of Mongolia’s famous independent media platforms, known for its in-depth video stories and accessible breakdowns of complex social and political issues.
Ulamsaikhan’s name first appeared in major news headlines in March 2025, when the Cyber Crime Department of Mongolian police raided Noorog’s office and seized editorial equipment and materials, including over 14 terabytes of documentary footage. According to The Diplomat, Ulamsaikhan had stated that the materials confiscated were part of a documentary following ordinary citizens who were unaffiliated with any political party. The raid sparked strong public criticism and was widely seen as a threat to media independence and freedom of expression in Mongolia.
Role in Youth-Led Protests
Beyond his work in media, Ulamsaikhan is also recognized as the face of the youth-led protests in May 2025, which lasted for 22 days in Ulaanbaatar. These demonstrations named “Easy to Resign”, was joined by thousands of young people, calling out the government's corruption, excessive spending by high-ranking officials, and political unfairness.
In an interview cited by Ujyaalo Nepal and The Times of India, Ulamsaikhan remarked that “the demonstrations have showcased throughout that young people are very sensitive to unfairness in Mongolian society.” The movement he helped lead became a powerful symbol of youth mobilization and civic engagement in the country.
The November 11 Incident
According to Mongolian news outlets such as Zuv.mn, Ubn.mn and Zindaa.mn, the police received a report at approximately 5:00 a.m. on November 11 that a man had been stabbed in a residential complex in Bayanzurkh District’s 26th khoroo. The victim was later identified as Ulamsaikhan, who had sustained serious injuries to his left armpit and arm.
Police later confirmed that the suspect, a 38-year-old man identified as D, had been detained and that an investigation is underway.
Ulamsaikhan was taken to the Central Military Hospital, where he underwent an emergency surgery. On November 11. His close friend and fellow protest organizer Unumunkh Jargalsaikhan announced on November 12 that the surgery had gone successfully and that Ulamsaikhan had regained consciousness.
Misinformation and Public Reaction
Following the attack, false and misleading information began circulating on social media, including claims that Ulamsaikhan had broken into someone’s home or assaulted a woman. However, Unumunkh Jargalsaikhan publicly refuted these allegations on Facebook, writing that the incident had occurred in Ulamsaikhan’s apartment building entrance, not inside anyone’s home. He urged the public and the media to refrain from spreading unverified information that could further distress Ulamsaikhan’s family.
“The posts and coordinated negative comments under related news stories are adding psychological pressure on his already distressed family. We urge everyone not to spread speculation or baseless information,” Unumunkh wrote.
He further suggested that the attack may have been politically motivated or connected to Ulamsaikhan’s activism noting that he and other protesters had filed a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission of Mongolia (NHRC).
Recognition as a Human Rights Defender
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Mongolia’s Human Rights Defenders Committee has officially recognized Ulamsaikhan Otgon as a human rights defender on two separate occasions. However, despite this formal recognition, he has not yet received protection from the commission following the recent stabbing incident.
Mongolia is notable for being the first country in Asia to enact a law specifically protecting human rights defenders — the Law on the Legal Status of Human Rights Defenders, adopted in April 2021. While the law provides statutory mechanisms for their protection, incidents like Ulamsaikhan Otgon’s case highlight ongoing concerns about whether these protections are effectively enforced in practice.
Ongoing Investigation
As of now, the police continue to investigate the incident. Ulamsaikhan’s friends and family have urged the public and media to respect his condition and report responsibly. The attack has once again sparked debates in Mongolia about the safety, dignity, and protection of human rights defenders.
