A/HRC/10/8/Add.1 page 35 Lao People’s Democratic Republic Urgent appeal sent on 8 September 2008 jointly with the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and the Chairperson-Rapporteur of the Working group on Arbitrary Detention 129. The Special Procedures mandate holders brought to the attention of the Government information regarding pastor Sompong Supatto, Mr. Boot Chanthaleuxay and Mr. Khamvan Chanthaleuxay, the latter two secondary school students and church members. These three individuals were reportedly arrested on 3 August 2008, between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. in the village of Boukham, by members of the district police authorities of Ad-Sapangthong district, Savannakhet province, and transferred to Ad-Sapangthong district police station. While they were held there, district police officials tightened handcuffs as well as leg restraints made of wooden stocks on all three detained individuals and allegedly stated: “This is the consequence of not signing documents to renounce your faith. We have already given you three opportunities to sign these documents but you have refused.” It is further alleged that the concerned persons would be released if they signed the documents renouncing their Christian faith. 130. On 2 September 2008, Mr. Boot Chanthaleuxay’s legs reportedly became infected because of the wooden stocks put around them, which led to severe pain and swollen legs, rendering him unable to walk. He was in need of urgent medical treatment, otherwise it was feared that he would not be able to use his leg again. Concern was expressed for the physical and mental integrity of Mr. Sompong Supatto, Mr. Boot Chanthaleuxay and Mr. Khamvan Chanthaleuxay while in detention. Further concerns were expressed as regards Mr. Khamvan Chanthaleuxay’s state of health. Concern was also expressed that their arrests and detention might have been solely connected to their reportedly peaceful exercise of their right to freedom of religion or belief. Response from the Government dated 22 September 2008 131. The Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic informed that it had carried out a full check with the Local Authority, district police of Ad-Saphangthong district, Savanhakhet province and had found out that information received by the Special Procedures mandate holders was completely false and groundless. Furthermore, the Government drew the attention of the Special Procedures mandate holders to the information below, according to the information by the Local Authority. 132. The Local Authority concerned did not conduct the arrest, torture and other cruel treatment of the three individuals. The three individuals were carrying out activities which were violating the security order of the district and were therefore detained for a short-term period, from 20 to 22 July 2008 by the Local Authority. After having conducted the investigation, the three individuals were released and immediately returned to their parents in their village. 133. The Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic confirmed that, within its limited capacity, it had done everything possible to respect, promote and protect the fundamental rights and freedom of its Lao people and had upheld the rule of law. The Government provided concrete measures to assist the Lao people in all aspects, according to all fundamental human rights, including the right to freedom of religion or belief.