LIANSAI, Laos — Authorities in Laos jailed a church leader in Liansai village, Savannakhet province, for embracing Christianity, and they threatened to expel him unless he renounces his faith — and kill him if his arrest is made public, according to a human rights organization.
On Sept. 3, local officials arrested Thao Oun, an elder at Boukham Church, according to Human Rights Watch for Lao Religious Freedom (HRWLRF). The chief of police of Saybouthong subdistrict, Thao Somphet, charged Oun with bringing destruction to the Lao nation and government by embracing Christianity and demanded that he immediately renounce Christianity or face expulsion from the village. He “further threatened Thao Oun that if word of his arrest and interrogation get out to the international community, he will be put to death,” according to HRWLRF. Somphet also told Oun that his harsh treatment would end “only after the death of all believers in Boukham Church,” according to HRWLRF.
On Sept. 5, local officials also arrested Thao Aom, telling him, “You have believed in a foreign religion, so you must sign an affidavit to renounce Christianity. If you do not recant, you must vacate the village.” HRWLRF reported that after three hours of police interrogation, Aom still refused to sign the affidavit renouncing his faith. He was expelled from the village.
Lao officials have also denied schooling to 10 children of Christians and cut off access to water at village wells, according to HRWLRF.
Share with others: