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RECOGNIZING THE LAO STUDENTS MOVEMENT FOR DEMOCRACY AND THE URGENT NEED FOR HUMAN RIGHTS REFORMS IN LAOS -- HON. ADAM SMITH (Extensions of Remarks - November 22, 2002) http://thomas.loc.gov/home/r107query.html [Page: E2136] GPO's PDF --- HON. ADAM SMITH
OF WASHINGTON IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Friday, November 22, 2002 · Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, last month marked the third anniversary of the bloody intervention by Lao communist security forces against peaceful student demonstrators. In October of 1999, the communist regime in Vientiane sought to crush the Lao Students Movement for Democracy. I was recently honored to join with Laotian-American constituents and survivors of this brutal crackdown to speak at the Congressional Forum on Laos, which had a series of special events in the U.S. House of Representatives this year to mark the anniversary of this dark chapter in the history of Laos and the free world. · Mr. Speaker, my district is the home to many freedom-loving Lao-Americans as well as the Lao Students Movement for Democracy--whose members are comprised largely of the survivors of the pro-democracy movement in Laos in 1999. The students escaped the Lao communist regime to neighboring Thailand and then were admitted to the United States as refugees after the outpouring of concern by Laotian-Americans in the South King County area. Sadly, however, many of the Lao pro-democracy student leaders and their families still remain jailed in Laos and have disappeared into their horrific prison system. Amnesty International continues to raise concerns about their plight and the systemic torture that exists within the prisons and gulag system of Laos. · Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend and thank the leaders of the Lao community for their steadfast efforts on behalf of freedom and democracy in Laos and for the hard work of all those involved in organizing the U.S. Congressional Forum on Laos sessions held on September 17 and October 1st. · Mr. Speaker, I remain deeply concerned about the ongoing plight of the Lao students leaders and others who are still jailed in Laos for their political or religious beliefs, or simply because they are members of an ethnic minority like the Hmong people. I would urge my colleagues, therefore, to work toward helping to bring freedom, hope and human rights to Laos and its suffering people. We should remember those who are still persecuted and jailed in Laos, struggling for basic human rights and freedoms. · Mr. Speaker, I would like to include into the RECORD the following news article from the Agence France Press (``Lao Exiles Demand Freedom for Imprisoned Comrades,'' July 18, 2002) regarding the Lao Students' efforts in Congress in Washington, DC: Exiled dissidents have demanded the release of five colleagues who have disappeared [Page: E2137] GPO's PDF into the prison gulag in Laos, following unprecedented anti-Communist protests. The Lao government is holding five of the eleven strong core leadership of the Lao Students for Democracy after it crushed surprise protests in the capital, Vientiane, in October 1999. Six others, two of whom appeared at a U.S. Congressional forum devoted to their cause, on Wednesday, escaped to Thailand, before being granted political asylum by the United States. ``My colleagues are still in jail, they are asking for peace and justice for the Lao people, I would like them to be put on trial as soon as possible,'' said one of the leaders, Aly Chantala. Another dissident leader Nouamkhan Khamphylavong added: ``We still heard nothing about their fate since they were arrested.'' Rights group Amnesty International has accused the ruling Lao People's Revoluntionary Party of denying that the arrests even took place and of holding prisoners in cruel and degrading conditions. Campaigners say the five student leaders were arrested, tortured an incarcerated by the Lao government in violation of the country's one year limit on detention without trial. They want the United States and world financial bodies to withhold financial aid and make trade benefits for Laos conditional on improvements in its human rights record and the granting of political rights. Some business groups and sectors of the U.S. administration have, however, being pushing for Laos to be granted normal trade relations with the United States, arguing that economic opening will trigger an easing of the political situation. Wednesday's event in a Congressional building was part of an ongoing campaign to block the aspirations of the pro Laos-trade lobby.
Letter to Sen. McCain on behalf of the Lao Students Movement for Democracy
FROM: Nicholas Rock, State Commander November 29, 1999 Mr. Bernard Bertrandcourt, Director
ICRC Regional Delegation 20 Sukhumvit
Road, Soi 4 Soi Nana Tai (covers Laos, Viet Nam, Hong Kong, China, North Korea, South Korea, Japan, Macao, Mongolia, Taiwan, Spratley Islands) Dear International Red Cross: On October 26, 1999, the Lao Students Movement for Democracy was planning to peacefully rally in front of the Lao Presidential Palace and then march to the veteran monument after the rally. The purpose of the rally and march was to call on the Lao government for democratic reforms. However, the Students Movement was crushed by the Lao Secret Police, and several of its leaders were arrested before the rally could even begin. I am enclosing the November 3, 1999 story from the "Nation" newspaper in Bangkok, Thailand on these arrests for your reference. As the "Nation" reported, "The protest action is believed to be the first organised political challenge to the powers-that-be by a Laotian students movement since the country fell under Communist rule in 1975," and no doubt the Lao authorities were surprised. Sadly, besides the "Nation," only the Bangkok Post, Straits Times and independently run Vientiane Times have published on-going news since October 26 of the arrests. The Western media is silent. I write to ask for your assistance in ascertaining the health and welfare of Mr. Thongpaseuth Keuakoun and up to 100 of his colleagues. Mr. Thongpaseuth Keuakoun, a 39 year old father of seven children, currently residing at Ban Nongsano, Sikhottabong City, Vientiane Province, Laos, was arrested by the Lao secret police along with about 70 to 100 of his colleagues on October 26, 1999. Of even greater urgency however, is the health and welfare of Mr. Khamnoy Khamphilavong. Mr. Khamphilavong is a 70 year old man, and currently a resident of Ban Phon Hong, Phon Hong city, Vientiane Province. Mr. Khamnoy was arrested by the Lao secret Police on or about November 9, 1999. Mr. Khamnoy was arrested in retaliation for the actions of his daughter, who participated as one of the student leaders in the protest of the Lao government on October 26, 1999 calling on the Lao government for democratic reforms. The Lao Secret Police visited the home of Mr. Khamnoy Khamphilavong several times, questioning him in their attempts to find and arrest Mr. Khamnoy's daughter. After the Lao Secret Police failed to arrest Mr. Khamnoy's daughter, who is the TOP leader of the Lao Students Leaders movement for democracy in Laos, the Lao Secret Police therefore arrested her father, Mr. Khamnoy, in order to retaliate and as an attempt to force his daughter to surrender herself to the Lao authorities. I am very concerned for the health, welfare and personal safety of Mr. Khamnoy since he is a very old man with very poor health. Mr. Khamnoy has a very severe asthma that requires constant medical treatment. Besides, Mr. Khamnoy's wife, Mrs. Ly Khamphilavong, who was NOT arrested also recently has a stroke. Here are names and ages of 6 of the persons arrested, including the two persons described above in this letter (the first 5 individuals are thought to be student leaders suffering severe mistreatment): 1. Mr. Thongpaseuth Keuakoun, 39
years old. I deeply appreciate whatever the International Red Cross Committee can do to ascertain the health and welfare of these persons, whether and to what extent these 100 plus persons are being mistreated, and to urge the Lao government to take immediate action to make sure they receive adequate food and medical treatment, and access to their families and lawyers, if not released from detention outright. These students' families do not know where they are, or in what jail or prison or in what part of the country their loved ones are being detained. There are recent reports that Mr. Thongpaseuth Keuakoun and his 100 plus colleagues were detained at Sam Khe Detention Center in Vientiane and then transferred to the labor camp in Thong haap, Tha ngon, Vientiane. For your information, attached to this letter is the second of an Amnesty International Urgent Action Alert, dated November 23, 1999 regarding those arrested following an attempted pro-democracy demonstration in Vientiane on 26 October 1999. As time passes, no doubt more information will become known regarding those arrested. I look forward to your response detailing the health and welfare of these persons, and to what extent they have been mistreated or tortured. Sincerely, Mr. Nicholas Rock, State Commander,
~~~~attached letter~~~~~ 23 November 1999 Further information on UA 289/99 (ASA 26/02/99, 5 November 1999) - Possible prisoners of conscience/Fear of ill-treatment LAO PEOPLE'S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC Thongpaseuth Keuakoun New names: Kamphouvieng Sisaath, Seng-Aloun Phengphanh, Bouavanh Chanhmanivong, Keochay, Khamnoy Khamphilavong (aged 70) Up to 100 others Amnesty International has obtained the names of five more men arrested following an attempted pro-democracy demonstration in Vientiane on 26 October 1999. The organization believes those detained are possible prisoners of conscience and fears they may be ill-treated in custody. Two students from Vientiane, Kamphouvieng Sisaath and Seng-Aloun Phengphanh, were arrested about a week after the attempted demonstration, which was organised by the "Lao Students Movement for Democracy of 26 October 1999". Bouavanh Chanhmanivong and Keochay are also believed to be under arrest. Seventy-year-old Khamnoy Khamphilavong, who suffers from severe asthma, is the father of one of the leaders of the Lao Students Movement for Democracy of 26 October 1999. He was arrested on 9 November, apparently because the Lao authorities have been unable to locate the leader of the student group. FURTHER RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please send telegrams/express/airmail letters in Lao, English, French or your own language: - expressing concern at the arrest of Kamphouvieng Sisaath, Seng-Aloun Phengphanh, Khamnoy Khamphilavong and as many as 100 others in the past month; - urging the authorities to make public the names of all those arrested in connection with the protest organized by the Lao Students Movement for Democracy of 26 October 1999, where they are detained and any charges against them; - urging that they be treated in accordance with international standards, and in particular are allowed immediate access to their families, lawyers and medical treatment; - expressing concern that they may be prisoners of conscience detained solely for exercising their right to freedom of expression and association. APPEALS TO: Khamtai Siphandone Prime Minister Office of the Prime Minister Vientiane Laos Telegrams: Prime Minister, Vientiane, Laos Salutation: Your Excellency Major General Asang Laoli Minister of Interior Ministry of Interior Vientiane Laos Telegrams: Interior Minister, Vientiane, Laos Salutation: Dear Major General COPIES TO: Somsavat Lengsavat Minister of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs Vientiane Laos and to diplomatic representatives of the Lao People's Democratic Republic accredited to your country. PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY. Check with the International Secretariat, or your section office, if sending appeals after 4 January 2000.
November 3, 1999 The Nation newspaper Bangkok,Thailand 44 Moo 10 Bang Na-Trat KM 4.5, Bang
Na district, http://www.nationmultimedia.com/index/headline.html Headlines Anti-govt student protesters detained in Vientiane MORE than a dozen Laotian students and teachers protesting in Vientiane last week over the government's failure to tackle the country's economic woes were arrested by the secret police, Laotian and diplomatic sources said. Their protest, which was believed to have been organised in several locations in the Laotian capital on Oct 26, the last day of Buddhist Lent, was broken up by secret police soon after it started, an informed Laotian source told The Nation. The source added that Thongpaseuth Keuakhoune, leader of the protest and five other students were arrested at 10.45 am in front of the Presidential Palace, known locally as Hor Kham. Between 15 and 25 other protesters were arrested the following day. The source said that among the protesters were students and teachers from the Dong Dok National University and the Vientiane High School. The fate of the detained protesters is still unknown, but the source said that further arrests were expected. The exact number of the protesters is still unknown. Diplomatic sources in Vientiane contacted by The Nation yesterday said they had learned of the arrests, but the Laotian Foreign Ministry's Press and Information Department denied that such an incident had taken place. The protest action is believed to be the first organised political challenge to the powers-that-be by a Laotian students movement since the country fell under Communist rule in 1975. In a protest flier obtained by The Nation the students urged the government to resign and the National Assembly be dissolved to clear the way for free and fair elections. They also urged the government to respect people's rights and freedoms in accordance with the Laotian Constitution and international laws. Other demands included the release of all political prisoners and the granting of amnesty to members of anti-Vientiane movements both in and out of the country as well as an open dialogue with opposition groups and exiled Laotians for national unity. The students said they were acting out of a popular shared concern over the fate of Laos' next generation. The protest came as Laos is struggling to combat its worst economic crisis in a decade, as hyperinflation and a wildly fluctuating currency continue to cause problems for financiers and consumers alike. However, the state's stringent media controls, enables it to prevent negative news from reaching the public. Although Laos has escaped western sanctions against its political repression, Amnesty International and other western human rights group have constantly criticised the state's systematic crackdown on its critics. In the late 1980s, three government officials were arrested for calling for political pluralism. Two of them remain in jail and the third died in prison last year. Last year, Laotian authorities arrested a group of local residents and foreigners at a religious service on the grounds that they had participated in an unauthorised meeting. The group, a practising US-based Christian sect, was also accused of engaging in illegal political discussions. All of them were later released. The Nation
November 2, 1999 The Honorable Harold Hongju Koh
Dear Honorable Hongju Koh: I am writing you this letter to ask for your assistance in obtaining freedom for Mr. Thongpaseuth Keuakoun and his colleagues. Would you please also forward my concerns to the U.S. Embassy in Laos to further assist in this matter. Mr. Thongpaseuth Keuakoun, a 39 years old, and father of seven children, a resident at Ban Nongsano, Sikhottabong City, Vientiane Province, Laos, were arrested by the Lao secret police along with about 15 to 25 of his collueagues on October 26, 1999. Mr. Keaukoun and his colleagues were arrested in front of the Lao Presidential Palace and formerly known as Horkham. He and his colleagues planned to march from the Lao Presidential Palace on Lane Xang Avenue to Anousavary (Veteran Monument). The intention of his group was to ask for freedom, democracy and human rights for Laotian people, but sadly the plain-clothes police stopped and arrested participants before it started. Currently, We don't know the fate or the where about of Mr. Keuakoun and his colleagues Honorable Hongju Koh, I write you this letter because I know that you are concerned about Freedom, Democracy and Human Rights of all mankinds as the U.S. government have shown times after times in obtaining freedom for political prisoners around the world. Further, in 1998 the U.S. Senate also passed S.R. 240, and similar measure, HR 169, also passed in the U.S. House of congress this year. These two measures are specifically called for freedom, democracy and human rights in Laos. I hope that you and the U.S. government will continue this honorable tradition in obtaining freedom for Mr. Thongpaseuth Keuakoun and his colleagues. I also enclose Mr. Keaukoun picture and the "Open Letter" that Mr. Keaukoun and his group planned to distribute to the media and foreign embassies in Laos. Should you have any further questions in regards to this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me at the above address and phone numbers.. Sincerely yours, Sou Maly Encl. Rep. Adam Smith Dear Rep. Smith: I would like to ask you to support H. RES. 332 that was introduced in the US House of Congress on October 14, 1999. This H. RES 332 is to condemn the acts of the Laos government for the human rights abuse against its citizens and the abduction of Mr. Houa Ly and Michael Vang. Besides asking you to support this Bill, I also would like to ask you to amend this H.RES 332 to add the language of this Bill to resolve the arrest of Mr. Thongpaseuth Keuakoun and his colleagues who were arrested on October 26, 1999 in front of the Lao Presidential Palace for protesting the social injustice in Laos and calling for the Laos government to respect individuals freedom and respect basic human rights of its citizens. I sent you letters and information on October 2nd and 3rd in regards to the arrest of Mr. Thongpaseuth Keuakoun and his colleagues. I am looking forward for your assistance in regards to this matter. Respectfully, Sou Maly Senator Jesse Helms The Honorable Harold Hongju Koh
Ms. Madeline Albright, Secretary
of State Charge D'affair Human Rights Watch Amnesty International Amnesty International
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