Laos: 48 Christians Detained Until They Deny Faith
The Sikh Times, UK
| International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that 48 Laotian Christians are currently being held until they recant their faith.
Yesterday, February 9, at 3:00 pm, the deputy government leader of Ta-Oyl district, visited the field where the Laotian Christians are forced to live. The deputy, Mr. Khamnun, ordered them to cease building temporary shelters and directed them to sleep on the ground. They have so far refused to comply with the order. On January 10, 2010, around 10:00 am, a group of approximately 100 officials raided a Sunday morning worship service in the Katin village of Ta-Oyl district, Saravan, Laos. With guns drawn, officials forced the 48 Christians to a nearby open field. Officials seized all personal belongings of the Christians, and later destroyed 6 of their houses. The officials put guns to the Christian’s heads and stated that the Christians cannot return to the village until they admit they no longer believe in lies. Laotian officials have set up police at the entrance of village to keep out the Christians. Unable to return to their homes, all 48, including women and children, have been sleeping on the ground in the woods with no provided food or shelter. ICC’s Regional Manager for Southeast Asia, Logan Maurer, said, “This is a tragic event that shows the Laotian government’s true nature. ICC has been given a list of the 11 families—men, women and children—that are being forced to give up their beliefs in order to return to their village. The use of guns and threat of death is a clear provocation of basic human rights in Laos.” Related News: |
