The EU has a rare opportunity to affect change in Laos because of its upcoming ASEAN chairmanship. Call out the communist party's abuses before the EU is compelled to play nice next year.
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Warning after aid worker vanishes
A James Cook University researcher is warning of the increasing and unpredictable dangers for development workers in authoritarian countries after completing his investigation into the 2012 disappearance of a community worker in Laos.
Dr Kearrin Sims is a lecturer in Development Studies at JCU. He used his local knowledge and contacts in Laos to investigate the December 15, 2012 disappearance of community development worker Sombath Somphone, who was abducted at a police checkpoint in his home city of Vientiane.
“He was stopped at a police checkpoint and escorted into a roadside building. A motorcyclist arrived and drove off in his vehicle. A truck with flashing lights then arrived and two men led him into it. He has not been seen since,” said Dr Sims.