The wife of Sombath Somphone was interviewed on Australian radio today, emphasizing that her husband is a development worker who is interested in helping his country, and that he has always worked closely with the government.
Prominent Lao activist still missing
ABC Radio, 04 January 2013
This weekend marks three weeks since the disappearance of the respected Lao community leader, teacher and social activist Sombath Somphone.Well known in the region, he received the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award for his work.
Sombath Somphone has not been heard of since being taken away from a police checkpoint in the capital, Vientiane.
The government has denied any involvement, hinting at a possible business or personal conflict as the reason for his disappearance.
Presenter: Tom Fayle
Speaker: Ng Shui Meng, who’s high-profile activist husband Sombath Somphone has been missing in Laos for almost three weeks
NG: I have not heard any news apart from the government statement which was issued on the 19th and a visit to the police station I have not heard anything since.
FAYLE: Now have the authorities been maintaining contact with you?
NG: The police department has called me for a short interview on the 26th of December and since then they have not been in contact with me.
FAYLE: Now would you describe your husband as a dissident in any form?
NG: No my husband is not a dissident, he is a very low-profile social development worker interested in helping the country, teaching young people in community service, empowering them, teaching them leadership skills, working with the monks and working with students. He is not at all an activist or a dissident in any way. He has worked closely with the government and with approval of government for every project he has done. So he’s not at all an activist, he always believes that as a Lao citizen he wants to support the government to help develop the country. Continue reading “"My husband is not a dissident"”
