Mongolian neo-Nazis rebranded as environmentalists

Categories: Society |

In recent years, ultra-nationalist groups have been spreading more and more in Mongolia. Among the most popular groups is the self-proclaimed neo-Nazi group Tsagaan Khass (White Swastika). She recently shifted her focus away from the issue of attacks on women by foreign men to environmental issues. Their main goal is to protect the environment from the interests of foreign mining companies. This ultra-nationalist group was founded in the 90s and now has over 100 active members.

“Our goal is to save nature. Previously, we called for fighting foreigners on the streets, but at some point we realized that this was ineffective. Now we are fighting with foreign companies,” said White Swastika leader Arinrbold Altankhum.

(Total 21 photos)

Mongolian neo-Nazis rebranded as environmentalists

Mongolian neo-Nazis rebranded as environmentalists

1. Uranyargal - the girl leader of the Tsagaan Hass group. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

According to Mongolian police colonel Tumenzhargal Sanzhargal, the growth of nationalist sentiment began about 15 years ago, when the first international companies entered the country. “Foreign inscriptions and signs appeared on the streets, incomprehensible to young children. In addition, when hiring Mongols, foreigners often deceived them and did not pay their entire salary. Of course, this led to conflicts, ”said the policeman.

Mongolian neo-Nazis rebranded as environmentalists

2. Arjunbold and Uranyargal (left) at a building under construction, the contractor of which they suspect of illegal employment of foreign workers and violation of building regulations. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

Mongolian neo-Nazis rebranded as environmentalists

3. Arjunbold and Uranyargal (left) - leaders of the ultra-nationalist group Tsagaan Khass. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

Mongolian neo-Nazis rebranded as environmentalists

4. Another member of the Tsagaan Khass group is Chimedbaatar. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

Mongolian neo-Nazis rebranded as environmentalists

5. Numerous tattoos on the back of one of the group members during a workout in the gym in Ulaanbaatar. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

Mongolian neo-Nazis rebranded as environmentalists

6. The leaders of the Tsagaan Khass group in front of the monument to Chingunzhav, the Mongolian national hero. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

Mongolian neo-Nazis rebranded as environmentalists

7. Rings with a swastika and other symbols of the Nazi movements. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

Mongolian neo-Nazis rebranded as environmentalists

8. Arjunbold Altankhum is the founder and main representative of the Tsagaan Khass group. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

Mongolian neo-Nazis rebranded as environmentalists

9. Another participant in the movement is Dorbold. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

Mongolian neo-Nazis rebranded as environmentalists

10. Even the seat covers in Arjunbold's car are decorated with a swastika. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

Mongolian neo-Nazis rebranded as environmentalists

11. Arjunbold walks past a lingerie store as he leaves his group's headquarters in Ulaanbaatar. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

Mongolian neo-Nazis rebranded as environmentalists

12. Representatives of the Tsagaan Hass group leave the headquarters for the center of Ulaanbaatar. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

Mongolian neo-Nazis rebranded as environmentalists

13. Group leader Arjunbold at headquarters.

Mongolian neo-Nazis rebranded as environmentalists

14. A portrait of Genghis Khan hangs in the headquarters, as in most Mongolian homes and institutions. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

Mongolian neo-Nazis rebranded as environmentalists

15. Dambajuv is another member of the Wagaan Hass group. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

Mongolian neo-Nazis rebranded as environmentalists

16. Neo-Nazis sent their observers in clothes with the image of a swastika to the mines of foreign mining companies. According to the new Mongolian ecologists, the development of mines is carried out in violation of safety rules and pollutes nearby areas. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

Mongolian neo-Nazis rebranded as environmentalists

17. Smoke break! (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

Mongolian neo-Nazis rebranded as environmentalists

18. Representatives of the group Tsagaan Khass communicate with the builder during the so-called "environmental patrol", 50 km southwest of Ulaanbaatar. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

Mongolian neo-Nazis rebranded as environmentalists

19. The mining sector makes up 90% of the entire economy of Mongolia, and attracting additional foreign labor is a major concern for the local population, a third of whom live below the poverty line. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

Mongolian neo-Nazis rebranded as environmentalists

20. A representative of the Tsagaan Khass group in front of a traditional Mongolian yurt. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

Mongolian neo-Nazis rebranded as environmentalists

21. The largest Mongolian gold and copper deposit, Ou Tolgoi, is 66% owned by the transnational corporation Rio Tinto. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

Keywords: Mongolia | Neo-Nazism

     

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