The 12th Anniversary of the Lao Students Movement for Democracy of Oct. 26, 1999
BACKGROUND: Mr. Thongpaseuth Keuakoun, and over 100 of his colleagues, students and teachers, were arrested by the Lao Secret Police on October 26, 1999, the only one pro-democracy demonstration in Laos since 1975. Many of those jailed were mistreated and tortured by the Lao authorities. It is estimated that some 30-50 persons are still jailed. Amnesty International has issued several Urgent Action alerts regarding these pro-democracy demonstrators since November 1999.
.We also learn that at least one of the 5 Lao leaders Movement for Democracy whose pictures is on the top of this Web-site has not been seen in the Lao's Gulag for more than a year
We are fearful that he may pass away due to the torture and harsh treatment by the Lao authorities. We therefore are urgently asking you on behalf of the Lao Students Movement for Democracy of 26 October, 99, to ask you to please contact your government and your elected officials to contact the Lao government to release Mr. Thongpaseuth and his colleagues immediately and unconditionally. As well as writing to the President of Laos, Mr. Khamtay Siphandone and Mr. Boungnang Vorachith, Prime Minister of Laos.
To learn more about the Lao Students Movement for Democracy of October 26, 1999,