Laos: Civil rights activist remains missing | Regions | DW | 10.01.2013
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Regions

Laos: Civil rights activist remains missing

Sombath Somphone, a Lao civil rights activist and former executive director, disappeared in the Lao capital Vientiane on December 15.

Sombath Somphone, laotischer Menschenrechtsaktivist und Gründer der NGO Participatory Development Training Centre (PADETC) in Laos. Somphone wurde Mitte Dezember aus ungeklärten Gründen verschleppt. Er wird nach wie vor vermisst (Stand Januar 2013). Bild: Stephan Sautter, zugeliefert von Charlotte Hauswedell

Witnesses saw Somphone being taken away in a truck after being stopped by traffic police on his way home. His whereabouts remain unknown.The reasons for his disappearance are unclear; the government of Laos issued a statement denying responsibility for the case.

Somphone is well known for his civil engagement in Laos. He founded the non-governmental organisation Participatory Development Training Centre (PADETC) in Vientiane, which stands in close contact with DW Akademie. A partnership for future cooperation is being planned. In 2005 Somphone received the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership for his efforts to promote sustainable development.

WWW links

Participatory Development Training Centre (PADETC), Vientiane/Laos