Christian Jailed for Praying Dies After Officials Deny Diabetes Medication
The U.K. Express reports:
Tiang Kwentianthong passed away after his release from prison where authorities reportedly watched him deteriorate without helping.
According to human rights groups, Mr. Kwentianthong, from Huey, Laos, was arrested after he was caught praying for a sick woman.
Human Rights Watcher for Lao Religious Freedom said the 61-year-old "continued to suffer severe diabetes" throughout his imprisonment.
The human rights group issued a statement saying, "During his imprisonment," Mr. Kwentianthong "requested permission to be treated for his worsening diabetic condition, but the prison officials denied his request."
"The father-of-six was arrested nine months ago when he and four other Christian men visited a recent Christian convert who had asked for prayers for healing," the Express reports.
"All Christian activities, such as prayer, require government approval in Laos -- which is a predominantly Buddhist nation," the Express states.
"A court found Mr. Kwentianthong and the four others guilty of 'performance of the medical profession without a license' because of their prayers for healing, sentencing them to nine months in prison," according to the Express.
"Despite being released in March, his condition worsened and he died last week," the Express reports.
