By Matthew Russell Lee
www.innercitypress.com/undss1hennkfcgun111209.html
UNITED NATIONS, November 12, updated -- With two UN Security officers still on suspension for KFC's Colonel Sanders' impersonator having a photo op with the President of the General Assembly Ali Treki, it has emerged that the Chief of Headquarters security, Bruno Henn, has refused to appear before the panel investigating the promotions scandal exposed by Inner City Press. Story here, leaked memo here.
Henn has said he will only answer questions in writing, according to multiple sources, none of them on the panel. This is similar to a police officer refusing to take a Breath-a-lyzer test. But within the UN Department of Safety and Security, some avail themselves of due process, while others cannot.
Sometimes the pressure comes from outside of DSS. It has emerged that it was not the DSS which initiated the two KFC suspensions, but the Department of Management. The disciplinary action was taken quickly, before review, so that the UN could say that something was done, staff union sources tell Inner City Press. The UN Spokesperson has said to not ask anymore questions about KFC, ostensibly to not give publicity, but most people say, from shame. There has still been no press conference by DSS chief Gregory Starr.
Meanwhile, UN Security sources have been abuzz for day saying that Captain Mark Hoffman has had his pistol revoked or placed on restriction. The UN Spokesperson's office was asked, in writing, if as some in Security are saying it involved a law enforcement incident -- reminiscent of Winona Ryder -- in Florida. This was denied, and Associate Spokesperson Farhan Haq added that Hoffman was in Florida looking at colleges. Thou dost protest too much?
At Wednesday's noon briefing, Inner City Press asked Deputy Spokesperson Marie Okabe on the record the more limited question of if Mark Hoffman's gun has been suspended. We looked into that, and no, she said. The UN transcript claimed that Hoffman's name was inaudible:
Inner City Press: Security sources here say that Captain [inaudible], who has had his gun removed. I’d like to know if that’s true and if so why.
Deputy Spokesperson Marie Okabe: I have not heard anything of that sort.
Inner City Press: Can you check?
Deputy Spokesperson Okabe: We did. Okay. Thank you very much.
Compare to video, here, at Minute 14:50. And multiple sources, including within DSS, say Hoffman's gun is on suspension, contrary to what Ms. Okabe said at the November 11 noon briefing. Watch this site.
