May 6, 2004

New evidence which has come to light through legal investigation and freedom of information has revealed the true plight of the Australian couple Kerry & Kay Danes who were held hostage by the Laotian Government, tortured and imprisoned for over a year (2000-2001).

Details of the Lao PDR authorities, the archaic Laotian legal system and high level Australian Foreign Affairs negotiations are revealed in a new report released Wednesday, May 5, 2004.

The report outlines gross human rights breaches in Laos, a country which seems to literally 'get away with murder'.

Several years on, the Danes are still seeking justice over their ill-treatment. 'Treatment such as we suffered cannot just be forgotten in favor of bilateral relations' says Kay. " My husband and I may never find justice against the Communist State of Laos for the torture and ill-treatment they inflicted upon us, and those we witnessed in "Phonthong Prison' [foreigners jail] but we hope that in raising awareness, others may be spared this type of treatment that is inhumane and that is currently fueled by western diplomacy."

Kay Danes, who is now an international speaker for Human Rights and an advocate for prisoners rights through 'Save-A-Life' http://www.foreignprisoners.com , was herself tortured in mock executions and interogated by Laos authorities in a bid to secure false statements.

The full report can be read at http://danesreport.foreignprisoners.com