Laos: Further information on Fear of torture/fear for safety

Index Number: ASA 26/009/2003
Date Published: 1 July 2003
Categories: Asia And The Pacific, Laos

On 30 June, Pastor Naw Karl Mua, Thierry Falise and Vincent Reynaud were sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment by a court in Phonsavanh, the capital of Xieng Khouang province in northeast Laos. Pa Fue Khang, their driver, was also sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment, and their guides Thao Moua and Char Yang to 12 years' and 20 years' imprisonment respectively. Doubt still surrounds the exact number and identities of all the Lao nationals detained.