Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09LIBREVILLE9
2009-01-08 15:09:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Libreville
Cable title:
ACTIVISTS CHARGED WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE
how-toVZCZCXRO2420 PP RUEHDU RUEHMR RUEHPA RUEHRN RUEHTRO DE RUEHLC #0009 0081509 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 081509Z JAN 09 FM AMEMBASSY LIBREVILLE TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 0825 INFO RUEHZO/AFRICAN UNION COLLECTIVE
C O N F I D E N T I A L LIBREVILLE 000009
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/08/2019
TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL GB
SUBJECT: ACTIVISTS CHARGED WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE
PROPAGANDA
REF: A. LIBREVILLE 007
B. LIBREVILLE 003
Classified By: Poloff Leslie Doumbia for reasons 1.4(b) and (d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L LIBREVILLE 000009
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/08/2019
TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL GB
SUBJECT: ACTIVISTS CHARGED WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE
PROPAGANDA
REF: A. LIBREVILLE 007
B. LIBREVILLE 003
Classified By: Poloff Leslie Doumbia for reasons 1.4(b) and (d).
1. (C) Civil society activist Marc Ona is among several NGO
activists reportedly charged under Article 88 of Gabon's
Penal Code with the intent to distribute "propaganda, written
or oral, that could disturb the peace, incite a revolt
against the authorities, attack the Republic of Gabon by
tarnishing the prestige of its institutions, provoke the
disunity of its citizens, or incite racial, religious or
tribal hate, or generally threaten the vital interests of the
Republic and nation." This crime carries a sentence of six
month to five years imprisonment and a fine of up to 250,000
CFA (around USD 500). Ambassador will meet with the defense
team January 8 to confirm the charges.
2. (SBU) Ona and the other activists were taken before the
attorney general January 7, where they were charged with the
intent to distribute propaganda. The government claims that
the defendants' intent to distribute the open letter to
President El Hadj Omar Bongo Ondimba from "Les Acteurs Libres
de la Societe Civile Gabonaise" violates Gabonese laws. The
letter criticizes President Bongo's use of Gabon's resources
for his and his family and cohort's personal use to the
detriment of the country's population as a whole. Following
the arraignment, the detainees were transferred to the city's
central prison. Four journalists were allegedly released.
3. (SBU) Conditions within the central prison are not yet
known. However the detainess are permitted to receive food,
medicine, and other essentials from family members. In an
impromptu statement following the arraignment, one of the
lawyers for the detainees addressed a large crowd of friends
and family telling them to bring mattresses and other
supplies to the prison for their loved ones. Post will
continue to monitor the situation closely.
--------------
COMMENT
--------------
4. (C) Gabonese authorities believe that by attacking the
President the detainees have exceeded acceptable activities
of civil society and pose a serious threat to authority.
President Bongo, always sensitive to criticism of himself and
his family, appears to be taking steps to silence his
detractors once and for all, even at the risk of tarnishing
Gabon's reputation. END COMMENT.
REDDICK
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/08/2019
TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL GB
SUBJECT: ACTIVISTS CHARGED WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE
PROPAGANDA
REF: A. LIBREVILLE 007
B. LIBREVILLE 003
Classified By: Poloff Leslie Doumbia for reasons 1.4(b) and (d).
1. (C) Civil society activist Marc Ona is among several NGO
activists reportedly charged under Article 88 of Gabon's
Penal Code with the intent to distribute "propaganda, written
or oral, that could disturb the peace, incite a revolt
against the authorities, attack the Republic of Gabon by
tarnishing the prestige of its institutions, provoke the
disunity of its citizens, or incite racial, religious or
tribal hate, or generally threaten the vital interests of the
Republic and nation." This crime carries a sentence of six
month to five years imprisonment and a fine of up to 250,000
CFA (around USD 500). Ambassador will meet with the defense
team January 8 to confirm the charges.
2. (SBU) Ona and the other activists were taken before the
attorney general January 7, where they were charged with the
intent to distribute propaganda. The government claims that
the defendants' intent to distribute the open letter to
President El Hadj Omar Bongo Ondimba from "Les Acteurs Libres
de la Societe Civile Gabonaise" violates Gabonese laws. The
letter criticizes President Bongo's use of Gabon's resources
for his and his family and cohort's personal use to the
detriment of the country's population as a whole. Following
the arraignment, the detainees were transferred to the city's
central prison. Four journalists were allegedly released.
3. (SBU) Conditions within the central prison are not yet
known. However the detainess are permitted to receive food,
medicine, and other essentials from family members. In an
impromptu statement following the arraignment, one of the
lawyers for the detainees addressed a large crowd of friends
and family telling them to bring mattresses and other
supplies to the prison for their loved ones. Post will
continue to monitor the situation closely.
--------------
COMMENT
--------------
4. (C) Gabonese authorities believe that by attacking the
President the detainees have exceeded acceptable activities
of civil society and pose a serious threat to authority.
President Bongo, always sensitive to criticism of himself and
his family, appears to be taking steps to silence his
detractors once and for all, even at the risk of tarnishing
Gabon's reputation. END COMMENT.
REDDICK