FORMER ERITREAN PRISONER TO PRODUCE MOVIE ON HUMAN

C O N F I D E N T I A L ASMARA 000141

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR AF/E, AF/PD, AND DRL
LONDON AND PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS
USAID FOR GEORGIANNA PLATT

E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/29/2019
TAGS: SOCI PREL ER
SUBJECT: FORMER ERITREAN PRISONER TO PRODUCE MOVIE ON HUMAN
RIGHTS

Classified By: Ambassador Ronald K. McMullen for reason 1.4(d).


1. (SBU) SUMMARY: Former Eritrean detainee, Semere Kesete, is
in the process of filming a movie about the G-15, the fifteen
high-ranking Eritrean party officials that stood up to the
President in 2000 and have been jailed since. Semere is the
former student body president of the now-defunct University
of Asmara, who spent a year in prison for speaking out
against the government, escaped, and is now in the United
States. The project is supported by Arizona State University
(ASU) and a citizen action network known as Friends of Aster.
The finished product, once distributed to diaspora
audiences, could be instrumental in sparking dialogue on
democracy and human rights, and also help reduce financial
and moral support for the Isaias regime. End Summary.


2. (SBU) The film, tentatively titled "The G-15 Mock Trials,"
will conduct a fictitious trial for the 11 members of the
G-15 who are currently imprisoned (of the 15, one recanted, 3
fled the country, and 11 were imprisoned without trial). The
stated purpose is to serve as an advocacy tool of what
democracy in Eritrea would look like if the government were
to implement the ratified constitution and adhere to the
regional and international human rights treaties to which it
is party.


3. (SBU) The project is led by Semere Kesete, who fled the
country in 2002 after being imprisoned in solitary
confinement for one year. His crime, which he shared with
more than 3,000 other students, was criticizing the
government for its heavy interference with university
affairs. The government arrested all 3,000 students,
released most after some time, but kept Semere imprisoned.
Semere, with the help of a guard, escaped prison and walked
six days to Ethiopia, eventually making his way to the United
States.


4. (SBU) The project has received support thus far from the
M.A. Program in Human Rights and Social Justice at ASU as
well as from the Friends of Aster organization. The group's
name is a reference to Aster Yohannes, the wife of G-15
detainee Petros Solomon (former Minister of Defense and
former Minister of Foreign Affairs). Aster has been detained
since 2003, leaving behind four children.


5. (C) Despite a grumbling, dissatisfied populace at home,
the Isaias regime still enjoys considerable support from its
diaspora communities. Some of this support is compulsory;
families living abroad are forced to pay a 2% tax on all
income earned. Those that do not pay the tax are unable to
obtain government records and are likely to face
harassment/imprisonment upon returning to Eritrea. Another
portion of the support, though, comes from the fighter
generation living abroad that remember "the struggle days"
and want to do anything possible to bring forth the dream of
a self-reliant Eritrea. Unfortunately, this generation is
often out of touch with the on-the-ground realities and
regards any negative press as propaganda from a coniving
international community. The same is true for a portion of
the diaspora youth that believe their fair country is a
victim of international conspiracy. Given the strong
suspicion of international actors, the most likely route for
change comes from the voices of other Eritreans, who can
personally attest to the abuses of the Isaias regime.


5. (SBU) Post encourages addressees to consider supporting
Semere's film. Once completed, and with the proper funding,
the film could be showcased in audiences abroad and used as a
starting point for critical discussions on human rights and
justice in Eritrea. The project's total budget is estimated
at $35,000, the majority of which is for scriptwriting and
filming. Further information can be obtained from Embassy
Asmara Political Officer Ajani Husbands
(HusbandsAB@state.gov).
MCMULLEN