Feng Sakchittaphong and Latsami Khamphoui, both former government officials, have been incarcerated since October 1989 on charges of libelling leaders of the Communist regime as well as calling for political, economic and social reforms.

Arrested with a fellow dissident who later died in prison, and initially held without court convictions, the two were slapped with a 14year prison term each by the country's Supreme Court in November 1992.

In a reply to a letter from Amnesty International, which warned that the men had already served out their sentences, the Laotian government reportedly notified the London-based human rights organisation that the two prisoners were released from prison on October 6. However, they continue to be in custody because of their poor health, the deputy minister said.

Relatives are allowed periodic visits to the two detainees who are being held in a government residential complex in the northeastern province of Houaphan, the official said. Relatives confirmed they had visited the two men, both of whom were in relatively poor health.