Authorities in Laos have released eight Protestants after using shock treatment to force them to renounce their faith, according to a British human rights monitor. The Christians, from Savannakhet province in southern Laos, were arrested May 31 amid a government campaign to shut down churches, according to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW).The men had been accused of anti-government activities and involvement with foreign political movements in order to weaken the government. The Southeast Asian country is ruled by the communist Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party.
CSW, based in New Malden, England, learned Tuesday that three of the men were released on July 3 but does not know when the others were let go. Seven are leaders of a church in the town of Paksong in Songkhone District: Sipasert Phuadaeng, 52, Bounyarn Robkhob, 58, Tem Chanthara, 56, Kong Phaeng Phrasawat, 36, Phouwanard Trivilaisook, 40, and two others identified only as Mr. Kiloy, 36, and Mr. Puang, 60. The eighth man, Mr. Khemphet, 30, is described as an active member of the church.
The British group said in a statement that the men "were unable to bear the strain of their conditions, which for some included being held in stocks and handcuffs, and agreed to renounce their religion." Later, however, they were overcome with remorse and grief about their decision.
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Laotian Christians have long suffered oppression and persecution under Communism. However, in recent years this persecution has so intensified that it is classified as "extreme," with Laos now appearing with Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan and China as the worst persecuting nations in the July 2001 Open Doors World Watch List.
The arrest of the eight Protestants continues a pattern of repression consistent ...
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