CHAMPASAK, Laos — Confronted with evidence of rights abuses Sept. 17, an official in Champasak province, Laos, said district officials had “misunderstood” religious freedom regulations when they arrested and detained two men for converting to Christianity, according to Human Rights Watch for Lao Religious Freedom (HRWLRF).
District police officers in cooperation with the chief of Jick village in Phonthong district arrested Khambarn Kuakham and Phoun Koonlamit Sept. 8, accusing them of “believing in Christianity, a foreign religion,” HRWLRF reported.
Both men were placed in criminal detention for five days and ordered to renounce their faith, the Lao Movement for Human Rights confirmed.
Officials warned Kuakham he had violated the terms of his employment by having contact with Christians and converting to the Christian faith. He must renounce his faith in order to return to his teaching position, they said. If he refused, he would face a lengthy detention.
In Boukham village, Savannakhet, three Christians remain in detention for their faith, HRWLRF reported Sept. 17.
Officials have kept Pastor Sompong Supatto, 32; Boot Chanthaleuxay, 18; and Khamvan Chanthaleuxay, 18, in handcuffs and foot stocks since their arrest Aug. 3, causing considerable pain.
Both Boot Chanthaleuxay and Khamvan Chanthaleuxay were suffering from loss of feeling and infection in their legs and feet due to lack of circulation.
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