VZCZCXYZ0001
PP RUEHWEB
DE RUEHYN #1422 2381031
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 251031Z AUG 08
FM AMEMBASSY SANAA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 0187
INFO RHEHAAA/NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
UNCLAS SANAA 001422
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
NEA/ARP FOR WROEBUCK/ASTEINFELD; DRL FOR JBARGHOUT/JKERN
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PREL KIRF PGOV YM
SUBJECT: TWO YEMENI BAHA'IS RELEASED FROM JAIL; IRANIAN AND
IRAQI BAHA'IS REMAIN IMPRISONED
REF: SANAA 1404
1. (SBU) The two detained Yemeni Baha'is (reftel) were
released on August 19. The four other remaining imprisoned
Baha'is, three Iranians and one Iraqi, are still detained in
a Sanaa Criminal Investigation Department prison, pending
further investigation. No official charges have yet been
filed against them.
2. (SBU) The Legatt office continues to attempt to reach the
Prosecutor General, but has still had no success thus far.
In an August 21 conversation with presidential secretary
Faris Sanabani, Poloff urged that the remaining imprisoned
Baha'is should be released and not be deported, as they would
likely face religious persecution in their home countries.
Sanabani said that the ROYG is working to bring about a
positive and swift end to the case, adding that he will take
the message back to his government.
3. (SBU) Comment: Poloff maintains continuous contact with
al-Anisi, as well as with the Sanaa Baha'i community. (Note:
Poloff asked to meet the two released Yemeni Baha'is, but
was told by members of the Sanaa Baha'i community that the
men may not be ready for such a meeting at the moment. End
Note). Post will continue to report any new developments.
End Comment.
BRYAN