Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09PORTOFSPAIN222
2009-05-13 19:24:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Port Of Spain
Cable title:  

PRIVY COUNCIL RULES AGAINST EXTREMIST LEADER, YASIN ABU

Tags:  PGOV PTER KICC KCRM TD 
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VZCZCXRO3601
RR RUEHGR
DE RUEHSP #0222 1331924
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 131924Z MAY 09
FM AMEMBASSY PORT OF SPAIN
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 9848
INFO RUCNCOM/EC CARICOM COLLECTIVE
RUEHCV/AMEMBASSY CARACAS 3783
RUEAWJA/DEPT OF JUSTICE WASHDC
UNCLAS PORT OF SPAIN 000222 

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPT FOR WHA/CAR

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PTER KICC KCRM TD
SUBJECT: PRIVY COUNCIL RULES AGAINST EXTREMIST LEADER, YASIN ABU
BAKR

REF: 07 PORT OF SPAIN 0094

SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED; PLEASE PROTECT ACCORDINGLY

UNCLAS PORT OF SPAIN 000222

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPT FOR WHA/CAR

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PTER KICC KCRM TD
SUBJECT: PRIVY COUNCIL RULES AGAINST EXTREMIST LEADER, YASIN ABU
BAKR

REF: 07 PORT OF SPAIN 0094

SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED; PLEASE PROTECT ACCORDINGLY


1. (SBU) SUMMARY: A May 5 Privy Council ruling against Jamaat
al-Muslimeen (JAM) leader Yasin Abu Bakr has cleared the way for
local courts to order the sale of Bakr's real estate holdings in
Trinidad in settlement of a US$5 million debt pending from the JAM's
1990 attempted coup. Bakr's perceived influence with criminal gangs
may impede the GOTT from recovering the debt. END SUMMARY.


2. (U) Following the 1990 attempted coup, the court awarded damages
of approximately US$2.5 million with interest to the Government of
Trinidad and Tobago (GOTT) arising from the destruction of the
Police Headquarters building and other government properties during
the insurrection. Abu Bakr refused to settle the debt, stating in a
sworn affidavit that the ruling People's National Movement (PNM)
government agreed to forego enforcing the debt in exchange for the
JAM's assistance in its campaign and ultimate victory in the 2002
general election.


3. (U) The May 5 ruling focused on the admissibility of Bakr's sworn
statement alleging that Prime Minister Manning had promised to
forgive the debt. The Privy Council in London found the statement
irrelevant and unenforceable and as such it cannot be tendered into
evidence.


4. (U) Throughout his civil trial as well as his criminal sedition
and terrorism trial, Abu Bakr has threatened to go public with the
details of this arrangement and the questionable nature of the
relationship between Patrick Manning and "community" (gang) leaders.



5. (SBU) Comment: Even if Bakr has no evidence to embarrass PM
Manning, the GOTT may be inclined to reach a consent agreement that
excludes the sale of some or all of the properties, specifically the
JAM's Mucurapo mosque in Port of Spain. A local court ruling to
sell the properties would put Bakr under significant pressure, with
the risk that he could retaliate by inciting criminal gangs to
increased violence. For similar reasons, it may be difficult to
find buyers for the properties. End Comment.

RIES