Authorities in Laos Jail, Threaten to Kill Christians

Compass Direct News reports that authorities in Laoslast week jailed a church leader for embracing Christianity. The leaders in Liansai village, Savannakhet Province also threatened to expel him unless he renounces his faith - and kill him if his arrest is made public, according to a human rights organization. Local officials on Sept. 3 arrested Thao Oun, an elder at Boukham Church. The chief of police of Saybouthong sub-district, Thao Somphet, charged him with bringing destruction to the Lao nation and government. He also told Oun that his harsh treatment would end "only after the death of all believers in Boukham Church" for believing in a "foreign religion." Lao officials have also denied schooling to 10 children of Christians and cut off access to water at village wells.