Nouhak Phoumsavan, President
Office of the President
Vientiane
Lao People's Democratic Republic (Laos)


Dear President,

I am writing to you concerning the cases of Thougsoul Saysangkhi, 
Latsammi Khamphoui, and Feng Sakchittaphong, who are serving 14-year
prison terms under harsh conditions for their peacefully expressed
political beliefs.

Thougsoul Saysangkhi, Latsammi Khamphoui, and Feng Sakchittaphong are 
former Deputy Ministers of Science and Technology, Agriculture and Forestry,
and Justice, respectively.  They made public statements and jointly wrote an
article advocation a peaceful transition to multi-party democracy.  They 
were arrested in October 1990 and held without charge until November 1992.
They were convicted and sentenced after a trial in which they were not
allowed a defense lawyer.  Charges against them included "making 
preparations to stage a rebellion and conducting propaganda against
the Lao People's Democratic Republic."

I join with the independent worldwide human rights group Amnesty 
International in considering Thougsoul Saysangkhi, Latsammi Khamphoui, 
and Feng Sakchittaphong prisoners of conscience, imprisoned solely 
for the nonviolent expression of their conscientiously held political 
beliefs, and in asking for their immediate and unconditional release.

Sincerely,