PRT KANDAHAR: WOMEN PROTEST KIDNAPPING OF AMCIT

UNCLAS KABUL 000251 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR SCA/FO, SCA/A NSC FOR WOOD OSD FOR SHIVERS CENTCOM FOR CG CJTF-82 POLAD E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL MOPS AF SUBJECT: PRT KANDAHAR: WOMEN PROTEST KIDNAPPING OF AMCIT ¶1. (U) Approximately 500-600 women demonstrated in Kandahar City on January 29 to protest the January 25 kidnapping of American Cydney Mizell, who was working for an international NGO in Kandahar. In addition to calling for the immediate release of Mizell and her Afghan driver, demonstrators urged mullahs to condemn the kidnapping and speak out on women's rights. The women also urged foreigners to stay in close contact with the GIRoA for their protection. The demonstration received both international and local media coverage. ¶2. (SBU) The event was prompted by Kandahar Governor Khalid's January 28 meeting with the Director of Women's Affairs and several female members of the Provincial Council. Governor Khalid charged each of the women with gathering "like-minded" women to attend the demonstration. The Governor also arranged to pay for use of the private hall where the demonstration was held. ¶3. (SBU) Comment: Governor Khalid is under pressure from President Karzai to resolve the kidnapping and realizes he must be seen to be acting to address the issue. While the women's demonstration may have been pre-planned rather than spontaneous to create an impression of widespread public concern, there is no doubt that the Governor, Provincial Police Chief, NDS Director, and all of their subordinates desperately want to resolve the kidnapping and are doing everything in their power to accomplish this goal. WOOD