A pregnant British prisoner left Vientiane yesterday to continue serving out her sentence in the United Kingdom.
A transfer ceremony took place at Wattay International Airport last evening and was attended by representatives from Laos and Britain.
“I can confirm that Samantha Orobator has been transferred into the custody of UK Ministry of Justice officials today. She will now be transferred to the UK ,” British Ambassador to Laos , Mr Quinton Quayle said.
Ms Orabator will continue to serve out her prison sentence in a UK penal establishment, he said.
Samantha Orobator,20, was sentenced to life in prison, and fined 600 million kip, after pleading guilty to possession of 680 grams of heroin in June this year.
Ms Orobator is the first British prisoner sent home to serve out her sentence under a prisoner transfer agreement signed by the Laos and Britain in May this year. The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding last week in Laos to bring the agreement into force. The move indicates the humanitarian policy of the Lao government.
A press release issued by the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs quotes Ms Orobator as saying she received good care during her one year imprisonment in Laos . She was not tortured, genders were segregated and she received fair treatment in prison, the press release quotes Ms Orbator as saying.
Ms Orobator was arrested in August last year at Wattay International Airport with 680 grams of heroin hidden on her body as she was on her way to Sydney , Australia.
According to police, Ms Orabator impregnanted herself while in jail to avoid the death penalty which is handed down to those found in possession of more than 500 grams of heroin.
Ms Orobator’s death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment due to a clause that prevents the execution of pregnant women.
**By Phonekeo Vorakhoun **
(Latest Update August 7 , 2009)
Bron: Vientiane Times / www.vientianetimes.org.la