Cablegate: Post Asks Royg to Not Deport Detained Baha'is

VZCZCXYZ0009
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHYN #1441 2401335
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 271335Z AUG 08
FM AMEMBASSY SANAA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 0206
INFO RHEHAAA/NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY

UNCLAS SANAA 001441

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

NEA/ARP FOR WROEBUCK/ASTEINFELD; DRL FOR JBARGHOUT/JKERN

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PREL KIRF PGOV YM
SUBJECT: POST ASKS ROYG TO NOT DEPORT DETAINED BAHA'IS

REF: SANAA 1422

1. (SBU) During an August 26 telephone conversation, Post's
Legatt office advised the General Prosecutor for the
Specialized Courts, Said al-Aqel, against the deportation of
the four remaining imprisoned Baha'is. The Legatt office
asserted that if deported, the Baha'is, most specifically the
Iranians, will likely face persecution in their home
countries. Al-Aqel provided no substantive response but
agreed to meet in person to discuss the matter.

2. (SBU) During an August 27 telephone conversation with the
Director General of the Interior Minister's Office, Ahmed
al-Sunaidar, the Charge d'Affaires (CDA) said that the USG
was pleased with the release of the two Yemeni Baha'is. The
CDA added, however, that we remained worried about the
possible deportation of the four still imprisoned Baha'is.
The CDA asked that the ROYG not make a rash decision
regarding the deportation, emphasizing that the Baha'is will
face religious persecution as soon as they arrive in Iran.
Al-Sunaidar replied that he will take the message back to the
Minister of Interior, providing no additional comment. Post
will continue to report on any updates.
BRYAN

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