Two Lao, Two Thai Christians Arrested in Laos

Lao officials arrested two Lao and two Thai Christians in Luang Namtha Province on June 16, seizing them from a private residence in Long district, Compass Direct News reports. According to the Human Rights Watch for Lao Religious Freedom (HRWLRF), officials have charged the Christians with "spreading the Christian faith without official approval." Another source who requested anonymity said, "That is ironic, since Lao officials are highly unlikely to approve of anyone spreading the Christian faith." Thai brothers Jonasa and Phanthakorn Wiwatdamrong, along with two local residents, one identified by the single name Chalar and the other as yet unidentified, were taken directly to Luang Namtha provincial prison. Under normal procedure, detainees would be held in a village or district prison for 36 hours during a preliminary investigation before transferring to provincial facilities.