Thongpaseuth Keuakoun, Seng-Aloun Phengphanh and Bouavanh Chanmanivong, three key figures in the student movement for democracy in Laos, have been held in prison for over 13 years for organising a peaceful demonstration in Vientiane (Laos). In its answer to Written Question E-007545/2011, the Commission said that Seng-Aloun Phengphanh and Bouavanh Chanhmanivong were due to be released in 2012. This has not happened so far.
— Is there any information on the whereabouts of the three prisoners and their state of health?
— Did the Commission discuss with the Lao authorities the current and future situation of these Laotian prisoners during the ASEM meeting on 5 to 6 November 2012? If so, what was the outcome?
— How does the Commission plan to campaign for the release of these three prisoners in the future?