Six Protestant Christians, who were arrested on 28 September by local authorities in Laos after a religious meeting, were released from detention on 3 October. Pastor Sompong Supatto is still being held at Boukham village government headquarters.
The group, aged between 18 and 60 years old and accompanied by a three-year-old girl, were arrested by local authorities after they had met together for worship at Pastor Sompong Supatto’s home. A week before, village officials told the Christians they were not allowed to gather for worship, despite the fact that Christians have been meeting there for worship for three to four years.
Although the rest of the group has been released, Pastor Sompong continues to be held in a position of restriction and torture, handcuffed with his legs in wooden stocks.