Lao authorities have renewed their efforts to stamp out Christianity, according to local sources. Police officers continue to harass Christians and threaten to close down their churches. "Many Christians now are having difficulties getting together for prayer, fellowship, and Bible studies," reported Open Doors, USA in May.
In February, a pastor was arrested and detained for 10 days. He was charged with illegal repair of the church building. In March, two church leaders were arrested after a funeral service and charged with trying to revive Christianity. In April, 11 Christians were arrested at the border of Thailand and charged with possession of Bibles and Christian literature.
One Western observer says, "The problem with the Lao authorities is not the lack of laws but the lack of respect for their written laws." The U. S. Department of State expressed the same concern in the International Religious Freedom Report. "The Constitution provides for freedom of religion; however, the Government restricts this right in practice. Some government officials committed abuses of citizens' religious freedom." Lao authorities admit that they have jailed some Christians who tried to proselyte others. Church officials in Laos report there are about 45 who are serving their sentences in prisons around the country. More than 100 Christian churches remain closed by the order of the local authorities.