Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09NASSAU390
2009-06-29 15:43:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Nassau
Cable title:
FLORIDA CONGRESSWOMAN CRITICIZES GCOB ON 2006
how-toVZCZCXYZ0006 RR RUEHWEB DE RUEHBH #0390 1801543 ZNY CCCCC ZZH R 291543Z JUN 09 FM AMEMBASSY NASSAU TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 6475 INFO RUCNCOM/EC CARICOM COLLECTIVE
C O N F I D E N T I A L NASSAU 000390
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/23/2019
TAGS: PGOV PHUM BF
SUBJECT: FLORIDA CONGRESSWOMAN CRITICIZES GCOB ON 2006
JOURNALIST BEATING PROBE
REF: A. 06 NASSAU 243
B. 06 NASSAU 862
Classified By: Charge Zuniga-Brown for reasons 1.4(b) and (d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L NASSAU 000390
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/23/2019
TAGS: PGOV PHUM BF
SUBJECT: FLORIDA CONGRESSWOMAN CRITICIZES GCOB ON 2006
JOURNALIST BEATING PROBE
REF: A. 06 NASSAU 243
B. 06 NASSAU 862
Classified By: Charge Zuniga-Brown for reasons 1.4(b) and (d).
1. (U) In recent comments to local media, Florida
Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen criticized the GCOB's
investigation into the alleged beating of a U.S. journalist
by Immigration Detention Center guards in February 2006.
2. (C) The incident prompted Florida congressional interest
and U.S. protests at the time, and GCOB officials promised a
prompt investigation (ref A). The Foreign Minister later
told Post that the GCOB could do nothing if the alleged
victim was unwilling to press charges, as appeared to be the
case (ref B).
3. (U) The Bahamian police commissioner told media recently,
after a daily newspaper's dogged pursuit of the issue over
the years, that authorities found insufficient evidence for a
prosecution and turned the matter over to the Royal Bahamas
Defense Force for possible internal investigation.
4. (C) Post has no information about the results of this
probe, if any were ever undertaken. The Ministry of National
Security told Post, upon inquiry about the accuracy of recent
GCOB statements, that the case had been thoroughly
investigated at the time. Speaking informally, an official
said the alleged victim was unwilling to file a complaint but
that the Ministry would attempt to clarify the matter. Post
will report any further reply septel.
ZUNIGA-BROWN
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/23/2019
TAGS: PGOV PHUM BF
SUBJECT: FLORIDA CONGRESSWOMAN CRITICIZES GCOB ON 2006
JOURNALIST BEATING PROBE
REF: A. 06 NASSAU 243
B. 06 NASSAU 862
Classified By: Charge Zuniga-Brown for reasons 1.4(b) and (d).
1. (U) In recent comments to local media, Florida
Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen criticized the GCOB's
investigation into the alleged beating of a U.S. journalist
by Immigration Detention Center guards in February 2006.
2. (C) The incident prompted Florida congressional interest
and U.S. protests at the time, and GCOB officials promised a
prompt investigation (ref A). The Foreign Minister later
told Post that the GCOB could do nothing if the alleged
victim was unwilling to press charges, as appeared to be the
case (ref B).
3. (U) The Bahamian police commissioner told media recently,
after a daily newspaper's dogged pursuit of the issue over
the years, that authorities found insufficient evidence for a
prosecution and turned the matter over to the Royal Bahamas
Defense Force for possible internal investigation.
4. (C) Post has no information about the results of this
probe, if any were ever undertaken. The Ministry of National
Security told Post, upon inquiry about the accuracy of recent
GCOB statements, that the case had been thoroughly
investigated at the time. Speaking informally, an official
said the alleged victim was unwilling to file a complaint but
that the Ministry would attempt to clarify the matter. Post
will report any further reply septel.
ZUNIGA-BROWN