POST ASKS ROYG TO NOT DEPORT DETAINED BAHA'IS

UNCLAS SANAA 001441 SENSITIVE SIPDIS NEA/ARP FOR WROEBUCK/ASTEINFELD; DRL FOR JBARGHOUT/JKERN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM PREL KIRF PGOV YM SUBJECT: POST ASKS ROYG TO NOT DEPORT DETAINED BAHA'IS REF: SANAA 1422 ¶1. (SBU) During an August 26 telephone conversation, Post's Legatt office advised the General Prosecutor for the Specialized Courts, Said al-Aqel, against the deportation of the four remaining imprisoned Baha'is. The Legatt office asserted that if deported, the Baha'is, most specifically the Iranians, will likely face persecution in their home countries. Al-Aqel provided no substantive response but agreed to meet in person to discuss the matter. ¶2. (SBU) During an August 27 telephone conversation with the Director General of the Interior Minister's Office, Ahmed al-Sunaidar, the Charge d'Affaires (CDA) said that the USG was pleased with the release of the two Yemeni Baha'is. The CDA added, however, that we remained worried about the possible deportation of the four still imprisoned Baha'is. The CDA asked that the ROYG not make a rash decision regarding the deportation, emphasizing that the Baha'is will face religious persecution as soon as they arrive in Iran. Al-Sunaidar replied that he will take the message back to the Minister of Interior, providing no additional comment. Post will continue to report on any updates. BRYAN