Phongsavat Boupha
Head of the President's Office and Chair of the 
National Steering Committee on Human Rights 
Presidential Palace Setthathirath 
Vientiane 
Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Dear Chairman

I wish to draw your attention to the case of five protestors - Thongpaseuth Keuakoun, Seng-Aloun Phengphanh, Bouavanh Chanmanivong, Khampouvieng Sisaath and Keochay - who were arrested in October 1999 and sentenced to long terms in prison after participating in a peaceful demonstration.  
 
I urge you to take action on behalf of the two protestors who continue to be held in Samkhe prison - Thongpaseuth Keuakoun and Seng-Aloun Phengphanh. They are all prisoners of conscience, detained in violation of their fundamental rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly, and should be released immediately without conditions. I also request you to confirm whether Keochay has been released, and if not to ensure that he too is released without delay. Pending their release the men should be treated humanely, with regular access to their families and medical care in accordance with international human rights standards. 
 
I understand that the fifth protestor Khampouvieng Sisaath died in detention after he was ill-treated by prison guards in 2001. I am deeply concerned that more than seven years have passed and still no investigation into the circumstances of his death appears to have been carried out. I call on you to launch an investigation without delay, and to ensure that the family of Khampouvieng Sisaath are provided with redress and compensation. 

Finally I request that you take immediate steps towards ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) signed by Laos in 2001.  Under the ICCPR, states are obliged to uphold the rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly.  I look forward to hearing from you on this important matter.

Yours sincerely,