Local authorities in Savannakhet province, Laos, arrested seven Protestant Christians after they held a religious meeting on September 28.
According to the non-profit advocacy organisation Human Rights Watch for Lao Religious Freedom (HRWLRF), Pastor Sompong Supatto of Bouham village, Atsaphathong district and six Christians from villages in Palansai district met together for worship at Pastor Sompong’s home in the morning. Afterwards, as they gathered together for lunch, the village chief, village security officers and village police arrested the seven Christians. A week before, village officials told the Christians they were not allowed to gather for worship in Boukham village, despite the fact that Christians have been meeting for worship in Boukham village for three to four years.
The seven Christians, aged 18 to 60 years old, are currently being detained at the Boukham village government headquarters. Pastor Sompong is reportedly handcuffed and held in leg stocks.
In detention
Also in Savannakhet, five Christians accused of the murder of a Christian convert in June this year remain in detention despite having been found ‘not guilty’. Savannakhet Office of Prosecutors ruled that Pastor Kaithong and four Christians detained since 23 June did not commit any criminal offence. However, they remain in detention as the authority to release the five detainees lies with the Atsaphangthong District Chief. No date has been set for their release. Recent reports claim that the five Christians’ health has deteriorated since their imprisonment.
The Christian population of the country is estimated at 3.4 percent.
