Human rights groups urge Thailand not to deport Lao activist

BANGKOK, Feb 1 (Reuters) – Human rights teams have urged Thailand to not deport a Lao political activist arrested on the weekend, over concern he could possibly be imprisoned by its communist authorities if despatched again.

A courtroom discovered Keomanivong Khoukham responsible on Monday of overstaying his visa, a number of sources advised Reuters. Rights teams say Keomanivong has been recognised as a refugee by the United Nations refugee company (UNHCR).

Keomanivong is a member of the “Free Lao” motion, a casual group set as much as promote human rights and democracy in Laos, comprised primarily of Lao migrant employees and activists in Thailand.

“This particular person is clearly a recognised refugee. Being despatched again to Laos could be a violation to human rights in probably the most extreme sort,” Phil Robertson, Human Rights Watch’s Deputy Asia Director, advised Reuters.

Thai police declined to remark and UNHCR stated that as coverage it didn’t affirm circumstances or touch upon them. Rights teams, nevertheless, have shared a picture of a UNHCR id card carrying Keomanivong’s identify and movie.

Just like its communist neighbour Vietnam, the Lao authorities tolerates little criticism and has punished its detractors severely.

Keomanivong could possibly be jailed for a very long time for his activism, stated Andrea Giorgetta of the Worldwide Federation for Human Rights (FIDH).

“Thailand ought to respect its worldwide human rights obligations and chorus from sending Koukham again into hurt’s manner,” he stated.

Some Southeast Asian governments have been accused of colluding to make sure the return of self-exiled opponents, together with refugees, typically for immigration offences.

Thailand’s international ministry didn’t instantly reply to a request for touch upon whether or not Keomanivong’s deportation had been sought by Laos.

A number of Thai democracy activists who sought refuge in Laos have disappeared, together with two later discovered lifeless by the Mekong River in 2018, their our bodies crammed with concrete.

In 2019, one other Free Lao member went lacking in Thailand after making use of for refugee standing.

Reporting by Patpicha Tanakasempipat and Panu Wongcha-um; Modifying by Martin Petty

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