PROTESTERS APPEAL FOR RELEASE OF THE CUBAN FIVE

UNCLAS WINDHOEK 000261 DEPT FOR DS/DSS/IP, DS/IP/AF, DS/IP/WHA PRETORIA FOR RSO ALSO FOR AF/S PHAEDRA GWYN AND WHA/CC RICARDO ZUNIGA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC CU WA SUBJECT: PROTESTERS APPEAL FOR RELEASE OF THE CUBAN FIVE ¶1. (U) Summary: On July 15, 2009 individuals peacefully gathered at US Embassy Windhoek's vehicle gate demanding the release of incarcerated Cuban intelligence officers known as the "Cuban Five". The demonstration was nonviolent and no incidents were reported. End Summary ¶2. (U) On July 14, 2009 the Namibia-Cuba Friendship Association (NCFA) applied for and was granted a permit by the Namibian National Police to march to the US Embassy. The (NCFA) also sent a letter to the US Ambassador to Namibia stating the purpose of the demonstration was to deliver a letter to President Obama appealing for the release of the "Cuban Five". ¶3. (U) On July 15, 2009 approximately twenty five (25) protesters met at a staging area near the US Embassy. The group marched carrying signs and banners with police escort to the US Embassy where they recited slogans and read an open letter to President Obama. Approximately ten (10) Namibian National Police were posted at the protest site. Two (2) protesters were allowed to pass through police barricades and present a letter to Mission personnel. The protest lasted approximately 30-miutes and the crowd dispersed without incident. ¶4. (U) Point of contact for this incident is acting RSO Kevin Dougherty. MATHIEU