Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
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09MANAGUA794 | 2009-08-12 17:25:00 | CONFIDENTIAL | Embassy Managua |
VZCZCXRO0897 PP RUEHLMC DE RUEHMU #0794/01 2241725 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 121725Z AUG 09 ZDK FM AMEMBASSY MANAGUA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 4428 INFO RUEHZA/WHA CENTRAL AMERICAN COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RUEHBS/USEU BRUSSELS PRIORITY RHEHNSC/NSC WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC PRIORITY RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RUEHLMC/MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE CORP WASHDC PRIORITY RUMIAAA/CDR USSOUTHCOM MIAMI FL PRIORITY RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RUEAWJA/DEPT OF JUSTICE WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RUEHC/DEPT OF LABOR WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY |
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 MANAGUA 000794 |
1. (SBU) Summary: As has become customary with non-governmental organizations' sponsored public events, on August 8 FSLN mobs attacked members of civil society who attempted to assemble peacefully. Over 500 members of the Coordinadora Civil (CC, a network of left-of-center civil society organizations) attempted to walk from the Hotel Hilton Princess in downtown Managua to the Managua Cathedral to cap off their annual national assembly. However, FSLN sympathizers carrying pipes, rocks, and other makeshift weapons blocked the CC members along the route, as well as on the Cathedral's premises. The FSLN-led violence resulted in approximately 15 people injured and various vehicles damaged. In an attempt to excuse the violence, President Ortega claimed his supporters were led to violence by the members of the civil society. The Nicaraguan National Police present took no action and allowed the FSLN mobs to carry out its violence. End Summary. -------------------------- FSLN, Government Employees Lead Violence -------------------------- 2. (C) On August 8, the Coordinadora Civil (CC) celebrated its annual national assembly, in which its delegates approved a "Proposal to the Nation to Change the Country's Direction" (a proposal to address Nicaragua's political, social and economic problems). After the assembly in southern Managua, over 500 delegates were transported by vehicle to a central-Managua intersection near the Hotel Hilton Princess where they were to walk approximately one mile to the Managua Cathedral for a cultural celebration. The Managua Archdiocese previously had authorized the use of its premises for the CC event. Mirna Meza, CC Director for the City of Leon and a participant in the CC event, told us that approximately 100 sympathizers of the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) were already waiting for the CC group when they arrived at the intersection and began throwing rocks at the buses transporting the delegates. The FSLN mobs also threatened the civil society members with pipes, rocks, and other makeshift weapons. Due to the violence, some CC members fled the area, but others continued their walk to the Cathedral. The FSLN members then drove around the march to the Cathedral to once again block the CC's event. At the Cathedral, the FSLN mobs again attacked the CC members. Their actions occurred both on public land and on the Cathedral's premises. Fifteen people were injured and several vehicles were damaged in the violence. 3. (C) The FSLN mobs were composed of the Managua City Hall's Ecological Brigades and Sandinista Youth. Media reported, and Meza confirmed, the participation of several government employees, including: Meyling Calero Peralta, Executive Vice President of Nicaragua's Tourism Institute, and Candida Huete Baca, Managua City Councilwoman. Violeta Granera, a CC member, stated that the FSLN supporters were augmented by members of well-known Managua gangs. There were press reports that the FSLN mobs used government vehicles to move from the Managua intersection to the Cathedral. -------------------------- - Ortega Excuses Violence, Police Facilitates It -------------------------- - 4. (SBU) In a public speech the evening of August 8, President Daniel Ortega excused the FSLN-led violence. He stated that his supporters were celebrating the International Day of the World's Indigenous People, but were "confronted by people who supported the coup in Honduras." (Note: The CC MANAGUA 00000794 002 OF 002 has publicly condemned the "coup" in Honduras and called for the reinstatement of President Mel Zelaya.) Media reported that the only Honduran connection to the August 8 incident was the presence of Zelaya's jeep (with Honduran license plates), which was used to support the FSLN mobs. Ortega's explanation of the FSLN supporters was contradicted by members of the mob that attacked the CC. One FSLN sympathizer involved in the violence did not mention World Indigenous Day, but rather told media that his group was simply "celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Sandinista Revolution." 5. (C) Unfortunately the presence of police at the intersection and Cathedral did not prevent the violence, but rather facilitated it. As has been the case in other instances where non-government public events are confronted by FSLN violent opposition (ref C), Granera stated that the Nicaraguan National Police was complacent and passive in allowing the FSLN mobs to inflict violence on the CC members. One officer was quoted in the media as stating, "let them (CC members) get hit. That's not our problem, but theirs. Those idiots go to the streets looking to get beat up." Media publicized the badge number of the police official who told his colleagues to take no action to protect the CC members. -------------------------- Comment -------------------------- 6. (C) While Nicaragua's civil society continues its attempt to exercise its fundamental right to free assembly and defend its democracy, the governing FSLN continues to threaten and physically prevent any group or individual not in-line with the Ortega administration. Once again, Ortega's own statements defend the violent actions of his supporters and discredit the "opposition," reinforcing the sense of entitlement by FSLN-supporters that any action against perceived opponents is justified and further exacerbating the breakdown in public order. Meanwhile, the police's failure to uphold citizens' basic rights and protect victims of violence further leads to the popular belief that the police force is under Ortega's control. CALLAHAN |