Kingkeo PhongselyLaos
Mrs. Kingkeo Phongsely, a Laotian human-rights activist has been held in Laos’ infamous Samkhe Prison since her November 2, 2009, arrest. The Laotian government has yet to charge Mrs. Kingkeo with wrongdoing of any kind or acknowledge her detention. Mrs. Kingkeo is a wife and the mother of three children.
Prior to her arrest, Mrs. Kingkeo worked to advance the prospects of the women and children of Laos. Within her local community, Mrs. Kingkeo pushed for the improvement and expansion of educational opportunities for Laotian children. Witnessing the devastation caused to Laotian society by the exodus of young Laotian women who left Laos for employment in Thailand’s burgeoning sex trade, Mrs. Kingkeo conducted educational campaigns to inform young Laotian women and their families of the significant risks involved in such a decision. Mrs. Kingkeo also endeavored to reintegrate women returning from Thailand back into Laotian society.
On November 2, 2009, Mrs. Kingkeo and a small group of individuals attempted to travel by taxi to Vientiane, Laos’ capital city. Mrs. Kingkeo planned to participate in a peaceful demonstration aimed at petitioning the Laotian government for limited democratic reforms and a greater respect for human rights. Mrs. Kingkeo’s taxi convoy was stopped by the Laotian secret police on a desolate stretch of the highway to Vientiane. Before she reached the capital, Mrs. Kingkeo and other members of her group were forcibly pulled from their taxis and arrested. According to human rights organizations and news reports, over 100 individuals were arrested along with Mrs. Kingkeo. Many were arrested on their way to the capital, while others were arrested within the capital city. The majority of individuals initially arrested were subsequently released. Mrs. Kingkeo and approximately eight others, however, remain in custody.
Freedom Now represents Mrs. Kingkeo as her international pro bono legal counsel.