Crackdown on Churches “Spreading” in Southern Laos

VIENTIANE, LAOS (Worthy News)– A government crackdown on churches in southern Laos is spreading to a new district with the brief detention of two “prominent pastors” for alleged unauthorized worship and their involvement in evangelism and an order take down crosses, representatives told Worthy News.

Authorities summoned Pastors Bounlerd and Adang to the police headquarters in Phin District of Savannakhet province on Friday, May 11, said the Human Rights Watch for Lao Religious Freedom (HRWLRF), which has close contacts with local Christians.

Christians in the area often use one name.

During the meeting at police headquarters, district authorities interrogated Pastor Bounlerd of Alowmai Church and Pastor Adang of Kengsainoi Church on several issues, including their involvement in house churches, HRWLRF explained.