Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09ASMARA314
2009-09-15 13:36:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Asmara
Cable title:
POLICE MEETING ON RISE IN CRIME IN ASMARA
how-toR 151336Z SEP 09 FM AMEMBASSY ASMARA TO SECSTATE WASHDC 0487 INFO CDR USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE CIA WASHDC CJTF-HOA J2X CAMP LEMONIER DJ COMUSNAVCENT DIA WASHDC HQ USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE JAC MOLESWORTH RAF MOLESWORTH UK JICCENT MACDILL AFB FL SECDEF WASHDC
C O N F I D E N T I A L ASMARA 000314
DEPARTMENT FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/TIA/ITA, DS/IP/SPC/SO,
DS/OPO/FLD, AND AF/E
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/08/2029
TAGS: ASEC PGOV ER
SUBJECT: POLICE MEETING ON RISE IN CRIME IN ASMARA
Classified By: Ambassador Ronald K. McMullen for Reason 1.4 (d)
C O N F I D E N T I A L ASMARA 000314
DEPARTMENT FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/TIA/ITA, DS/IP/SPC/SO,
DS/OPO/FLD, AND AF/E
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/08/2029
TAGS: ASEC PGOV ER
SUBJECT: POLICE MEETING ON RISE IN CRIME IN ASMARA
Classified By: Ambassador Ronald K. McMullen for Reason 1.4 (d)
1. (C) Regional administrators and Eritrean police held a
discussion on 09/01/09 with over 2500 Eritreans near the
Asmara suburb of Adi Segedo about the rising crime rates.
During this meeting, residents complained of severe increases
in burglaries, assaults, and robberies and asked for
additional police presence in western Asmara. The Eritrean
police acknowledged the rapid increase in crime but stated
due to their limited resources they have been unable to stop
this increase in crime and would not be able to increase
their presence in this area. The police warned the group of
a rising number of youths who are inhaling benzene and
propane gases to get "high" and an increase in gang activity
in Asmara. Criminal acts involving stoned youths and alcohol
related crimes are increasing. The police stated over a two
month period in the summer they had recorded over 350 major
felonies, the majority violent crimes.
2. (C) The regional administrator also warned the audience
of the threat posed by non-governmental sanctioned
"Pentecostal" religions, which he stated, are sponsored by
the USG and whose followers are "spies of America." He also
stated the USG is trying to divide the Eritrean populace by
encouraging the growth of these religions and by sending
money via Western Union to Eritrea to help groups opposed to
the Eritrean government (GSE).
3. (C) Post Comments: Post continues to receive reports of
a steady increase in crime where Americans and Westerners
eat, live, frequent, shop, and work. Several local sources
have confided to RSO that many Eritreans are scared of the
rising crime that has resulted from shortages of fuel, food,
and water and an increase in unemployment and inflation.
MCMULLEN
DEPARTMENT FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/TIA/ITA, DS/IP/SPC/SO,
DS/OPO/FLD, AND AF/E
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/08/2029
TAGS: ASEC PGOV ER
SUBJECT: POLICE MEETING ON RISE IN CRIME IN ASMARA
Classified By: Ambassador Ronald K. McMullen for Reason 1.4 (d)
1. (C) Regional administrators and Eritrean police held a
discussion on 09/01/09 with over 2500 Eritreans near the
Asmara suburb of Adi Segedo about the rising crime rates.
During this meeting, residents complained of severe increases
in burglaries, assaults, and robberies and asked for
additional police presence in western Asmara. The Eritrean
police acknowledged the rapid increase in crime but stated
due to their limited resources they have been unable to stop
this increase in crime and would not be able to increase
their presence in this area. The police warned the group of
a rising number of youths who are inhaling benzene and
propane gases to get "high" and an increase in gang activity
in Asmara. Criminal acts involving stoned youths and alcohol
related crimes are increasing. The police stated over a two
month period in the summer they had recorded over 350 major
felonies, the majority violent crimes.
2. (C) The regional administrator also warned the audience
of the threat posed by non-governmental sanctioned
"Pentecostal" religions, which he stated, are sponsored by
the USG and whose followers are "spies of America." He also
stated the USG is trying to divide the Eritrean populace by
encouraging the growth of these religions and by sending
money via Western Union to Eritrea to help groups opposed to
the Eritrean government (GSE).
3. (C) Post Comments: Post continues to receive reports of
a steady increase in crime where Americans and Westerners
eat, live, frequent, shop, and work. Several local sources
have confided to RSO that many Eritreans are scared of the
rising crime that has resulted from shortages of fuel, food,
and water and an increase in unemployment and inflation.
MCMULLEN