Cablegate: Mob Attacks Police Station: Slp Open Fire, Wound 11

VZCZCXRO8196
RR RUEHMA RUEHPA
DE RUEHFN #0374 2601634
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 171634Z SEP 09
FM AMEMBASSY FREETOWN
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 2887
INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE

UNCLAS FREETOWN 000374

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR AF/W (JHUNTER)

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV ASEC PINS SL
SUBJECT: MOB ATTACKS POLICE STATION: SLP OPEN FIRE, WOUND 11

1. At around noon on September 17, a mob of approximately 100
people attacked a small police station outpost near the Lungi
International Airport. According to sources, the mob was
angry at recent arrests of community members suspected of
committing armed robberies in the area. The Sierra Leone
Police (SLP), represented by only a few officers at the time
of attack, had no tear gas or means of escape: the one armed
officer present opened fire on the crowd, wounding 9 and
critically injuring 2. The situation in the area is extremely
tense, and senior security sources expect reprisal attacks
within the next 24 hours.

2. Post will report further information, as available, septel.
FEDZER

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