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