ERITREAN SEMINAR ON CRIME

UNCLAS ASMARA 000359 SENSITIVE DEPARTMENT FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/TIA/ITA, DS/IP/SPC/SO, AND AF/E E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC PGOV PREL ER SUBJECT: ERITREAN SEMINAR ON CRIME ¶1. (SBU) The Eritrean government held a seminar last week on crimes involving emotionally disturbed persons (EDPs) and juveniles. The seminar was composed of court officials, judges, police, and prison administrators and was held in response to a rapid increase in criminal acts being committed by these groups in Asmara. Eritrean officials blamed the increase in crime involving juveniles on "weak parenting" and urged Eritreans to closely monitor their children. The Eritrean government (GSE) stated it was going to attempt some form of vocational training for young offenders once they were released from jail. The panel also discussed ways to better handle EDPs who commit crimes. An embassy source stated the Eritrean officials are concerned about the continuing rise in crime in Asmara and the GSE's inability to stop it. The panel members stated they don't have the resources to arrest, prosecute, or detain the increasing number of reported criminal acts they receive. ¶2. (SBU) Post Comments: Post continues to see an increase in crime as economic conditions worsen, food/water/fuel shortages persist, and unemployment rises. There numerous EDPs in Asmara who randomly assault and threaten persons in Asmara. McMULLEN