In May, twenty Christians from the southern province of Savannakhet, Laos, were imprisoned for refusing to renounce their faith in Christ. According to an August 21 by Christian Solidarity Worldwide, nine of the Christians have been released, but the remaining twelve are facing increasing pressure to deny their faith and to cover up the reasons for their imprisonment.
Authorities have reportedly pressured the believers to confess to charges of moving their families without permission in order to cover the religious charges against them. They have tried to frame them by getting them to hold guns. The Muang Nong district police chief has also told them that they would be released if they would sign sworn statements stating that they no longer follow Jesus. All twelve have refused.
It is believed that international pressure has been responsible for the release of many imprisoned Christians. Pray that Christians still in prison will stand firm. We also encourage you to write your government representatives, encouraging them to investigate the human rights violations in Laos and to put pressure on the Laotian government to release those in prison for their religious beliefs.
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