FOREIGN MINISTRY REQUESTS INTERVENTION ON ARRESTED

UNCLAS KABUL 001494 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OFDP PGOV AF SUBJECT: FOREIGN MINISTRY REQUESTS INTERVENTION ON ARRESTED AFGHAN CONSULAR OFFICIAL 1.(SBU) MFA Americas Director General Khaled Zekriya raised to Polcouns on June 10 the case of Mohammad Fakhirad, an official at Afghanistan's Consulate in New York. Queens' police officers arrested Fakhirad on February 13 on charges of alleged domestic violence. Zekriya reported that Fakhirad is in New York and awaiting trial. Authorities are holding his passport. Fakhirad remains an employee of the Foreign Ministry, but the Ministry has terminated his assignment and he is now in the United States on the equivalent of leave-without-pay status. Fakhirad's wife reportedly remains in the United States. ¶2. (SBU) Zekriya stated that Fakhirad is facing financial difficulties. The Foreign Ministry asked for the Department of State to ask the appropriate prosecuting authorities to accelerate their preparations to bring the case to trial. Alternatively, the Foreign Ministry requested the United States' concurrence in permitting Fakhirad to return to Afghanistan to stand trail. Zekriya asserted that Afghan authorities would take the case to trial here. ¶3. (SBU) We seek Department guidance on the Foreign Ministry's request. EIKENBERRY