On April 29, 2023, Anousa “Jack” Luangsuphom, a prominent political activist in Laos, was fatally shot while sitting in a coffee shop in Vientiane‘s Chanthabouly district. The gunman shot him twice, in the face and chest, and he died on the way to the hospital. He was only 25 years old. Anousa was among the few people in Laos who openly and regularly expressed views critical of the Lao government. He was the administrator of the Kub Kluen Duay Keyboard (Driven By Keyboard) Facebook page, which is popular among people in Laos and abroad to express dissenting views about the Lao government, including corruption and repression of fundamental freedoms.
The Lao government has yet to announce an investigation into Anousa’s killing, and despite reports by government-affiliated media about the case, no one has claimed responsibility. Human Rights Watch urges the Lao government to conduct a credible and impartial investigation into Anousa’s death and bring the perpetrators to justice.
## The Lao Government Must Ensure Protection for Anousa
Human Rights Watch emphasizes that the Lao government must take responsibility for Anousa’s protection while he recovers from the gunshot wounds. Initial reports claiming that he died on the way to the hospital have been proven false, as the family and other sources have confirmed that Anousa survived the shooting and is currently receiving medical treatment in a hospital in Vientiane.
## A Dangerous Reality for Lao Political Activists and Human Rights Defenders
Anousa’s killing is a tragic reminder of the dangerous reality that Lao political activists and human rights defenders face every day. The Lao government has a long history of failing to prevent or effectively respond to attacks against critics of the government, human rights defenders, and political activists. Enforced disappearances and unlawful imprisonments of activists are common tactics used to silence dissenting voices in the country.
## Donor Governments and Multilateral Organizations Must Take Action
Donor governments, UN agencies, and multilateral organizations have a responsibility to put public pressure on the Lao government to investigate Anousa’s killing thoroughly. Anousa’s death is not only a reminder of the dangerous situation for political activists and human rights defenders in Laos, but also of the country’s further slide into lawlessness. Lao leaders must be called to account for failing to investigate targeted violence and provide answers about why Anousa ended up paying for his courage with his life.
Anousa’s death sends a chilling message about free speech in Laos and is a tragedy that highlights the ongoing violations of human rights in the country. The Lao government must take swift and meaningful steps to protect activists and human rights defenders and bring those responsible for Anousa’s death to justice.
<< photo by Meruyert Gonullu >>