IV. Methodology

Between March 2008 and March 2009, a Human Rights Watch researcher visited the Angolan enclave province of Cabinda (capital and municipality of Cacongo) three times and conducted interviews there, in Luanda, and elsewhere. The researcher interviewed 60 persons, in person, by phone, or email, including lawyers, members of religious groups and civil society organizations, activists, journalists, diplomats and officials of the government, military, police, and the judiciary. In March 2009, the researcher also conducted in-person group and individual interviews with 20 persons detained at Yabi prison in Cabinda who had been charged with “crimes against the security of the State” and related crimes. Interviews with detainees were conducted freely, without interference or the presence of government officials. Yet, provincial government, military, and police officials were less open for Human Rights Watch interviews in March 2009 than previously. In response to official meeting requests, most claimed being unavailable. The researcher also consulted legal documents referring to the cases. The initials of detainees whose accounts were quoted have been changed to protect their security.