ISLAMABAD EAC MEETING 04/20/09

S E C R E T ISLAMABAD 000820 NOFORN E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/20/2014 TAGS: ASEC PTER AMGT CACS PK SUBJECT: ISLAMABAD EAC MEETING 04/20/09 To: SECSTATE WASHDC - PRIORITY Action: DS From: AMEMBASSY ISLAMABAD (ISLAMABAD 820 - PRIORITY) TAGS: ASEC PTER AMGT CACS PK Captions: NOFORN Subject: ISLAMABAD EAC MEETING 04/20/09 Ref: None _____________________________________________ ____________________ Classified By: DCM Gerald M. Feierstein; Reason 1.4 (b)(d) ¶1. (C) The DCM chaired an EAC meeting on 20 April 2009 to review the Mission's security posture in the wake of a DOD notification to Post regarding the possible publication of detainee photographs depicting alleged incidents of torture. These photographs reportedly were taken at DOD detention facilities in Iraq and Afghanistan. Although the nationalities of the detainees are not confirmed, there is concern that Pakistani nationals may be included. The photos were originally scheduled to be published by the media today; however, the Department of Justice is attempting to delay the release. The EAC discussed the possible security implications to USG personnel and Americans in country. All agencies/sections were represented at the meeting. ¶2. (C) In addition to the release of the photos, the recent release by the Supreme Court of Lal Masjid (Red Mosque) Leader Maulana Abdul Aziz, is cause for concern. He faces 27 charges of murder, abduction, and forceful occupation of government property related to the July 2007 military operation to retake the Red Mosque from militants. Aziz led well-attended Friday prayers at the Red Mosque on 18 April and called on his supporters to sacrifice to enforce Shari'a in all of Pakistan. The publication of photos depicting torture could certainly be utilized by Aziz to rally his solid base of followers, namely poor and conservative Pakistanis, and lead them in protest. ¶3. (S/NF) The EAC discussed security measures in the wake of an eventual release of the photographs and agreed that while unpredictable, the Embassy would consider all potential courses of action, from reduced staffing to complete closure of the Embassy, depending upon the reaction by the Pakistanis. GRPO representative also advised that retaliatory action against American hostage David Rhode is also possible. EAC members agreed that demonstrations pose the biggest threat to employees attempting to go to and from the embassy, and that all staff should stand by to receive information via the emergency cascade and radio E&E network. ¶4. (SBU) The DCM will contact the SCA bureau for additional information pertaining to the release of the photos, and once more clarity is obtained, Post will brief the other diplomatic missions in Islamabad. PATTERSON _____________________________________________ ____________________