BOUKHAM, Laos — On Aug. 28, the chief of Boukham village in Savannakhet province, Laos, ordered the families of three detained Christians in the province to sign documents renouncing their faith.
Human Rights Watch reported that the family members refused. A crackdown in other parts of Laos continued, with new incidents reported the same week in Attapue and Borikhamxay provinces.
On Aug. 25, the chief of Donphai village in Attapue province summoned Christians and fined them for holding a church service during local animistic ceremonies.
In Borikhamxay province, officials continued to pressure 22 Christian families comprising 150 people in Toongpankham village who have refused to give up their faith.
Village officials had torn down their church building in January, then in mid-August harassed church members for not meeting in a proper worship facility.
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