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From: PATE, JULIE (JSC-JB) Sent: Tuesday, November 09, 1999 9:41 AM Subject: Crime Awareness, Special Report Please disseminate the following " Crime Awareness, Special Report" to Russia travelers. This information originated from the Moscow Technical Liaison Office (MTLO) and the U.S. Embassy - Remote Russia. Per MTLO, "the CD-marketplace can be bad news........it is not off-limits but it is advisable to pay attention to the suggestions provided by the Embassy below."
Thank you, -------------------------------------- To the Embassy Community, Over the weekend, an Embassy employee was assaulted at the CD rynok. By all accounts, the attack was racially motivated, as the victim was an African American and the attackerís description fits the profile of a Russian skinhead. This is the second reported racially motivated assault in two years at the same location. The CD rynok is typically crowded and frequented by Russian skinheads. Excessive alcohol use by young people of the Russian community is also common at this location. This combination represents a serious security concern, and as such, the Regional Security Office recommends taking the following precautions, not only if you plan to go to the CD rynok, but when traveling in Moscow and throughout the Russian Federation: 1) Embassy employees and associates are encouraged to travel in numbers. 2) Be aware of your surroundings. The dense crowds at rynoks provide ample opportunity for pickpockets. Disperse your money throughout your articles of clothing. A bulging wallet in oneís back pocket, a bulky purse, or a backpack is an attractive target for thieves. 3) Avoid groups of skinheads and any confrontational situation even if it means leaving immediately. Do not agree to any challenges to fights-back down and walk away, if possible. 4) If you are of African-American or Asian descent, or, if you fit the Russian profile of someone who hails from the Caucuses, you are at increased risk of being attacked by racists. 5) Attempt to ìdress down.î Wearing bright colored Western style name brand clothing can bring undue attention to you and your group. The Regional Security Office encourages all Embassy community members to report all crimes directed against them immediately to our office at 956-4108. If you have any questions, please call the office.
Bart Gorman
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