MCC Manchester News

Thao Moua and Pa Fue Khang were arrested in June 2003, along with an interpreter and two European journalists, who had been researching a news story on ethnic Hmong. All were charged and given long sentences after an apparently politically motivated trial. The Laotians had no legal representation and the trial’s outcome was apparently pre-determined.

The journalists and interpreter were subsequently deported, but Thao Moua and Pa Fue Khang remain in Samkhe prison in the Laotian capital, Vientiane. They are serving sentences of 12 and 15 years respectively.

Amnesty International believes their unfair trial was politically motivated because of their involvement in researching a news story about the plight of the Hmong hiding in the jungle.

Ethnic Hmong prisoners receive particularly harsh treatment and are at increased risk of torture, denial of medical treatment and harsh punishments.

What can I do?

1) Send a non-religious card with a message of support to:

Thao Moua/Pa Fue Khang
c/o Samkhe Prison
Vientiane
Laos People’s Democratic Republic

Salutation: Dear Thao Moua and Pa Fue Khang

Suggested message: Greetings from a well-wisher who is thinking of you.

Important information: For the safety of the recipients, do not make political comments. Avoid referring to religion, e.g. you should write “you are in my thoughts” rather than “you are in my prayers”. Do not put your full name and address in the card - instead, sign your card with your first name or initials only, and state just the town and country you are writing from.

2) Send an appeal to the Laos authorities via the Amnesty Website by following this link

http://www.amnesty.org.uk/actions_details.asp.ActionID=360

Basic instructions from Amnesty:

• Do not use cards with Amnesty’s name or logo, or mention Amnesty in your message (unless otherwise stated).
• Simple messages of goodwill are enough. Never include political comments.
• As a rule, only send non-religious cards. In cases where we say religious cards can be sent, you may send either a card of any religion or a card of a specific religion as directed, without causing offence or posing a threat. When a non-religious card is advised, avoid referring to religion in your message. For example, rather than writing ‘you are in our prayers’, write ‘you are in our thoughts’.
• Put your name and address (including country) on your card, except if we specifically ask you not to. If you receive a reply, please send a copy to Amnesty International.
• Write your message in English or your first language. Only write in the recipient’s language if you are confident your message will be accurate. Suggested messages translated into the recipient’s first language are available at www.amnesty.org.uk/cases.
• Take note of the instructions for addressing your card.
• Use airmail stickers for sending cards overseas.