Reprieve is currently working urgently on behalf of Samantha Orobator, a twenty year old British woman in jail in Laos. Samantha, who is also pregnant with a child due on 6th September, is now facing a hastily arranged trial and possible death sentence.

Samantha left home in July 2008 for a holiday and, after visiting the Netherlands and Thailand, was arrested in Laos with 0.6 kg of heroin. If convicted next week, Samantha could face death by firing squad.

Despite having been detained in Phongthang Prison for more than eight months, Samantha has still has not been given access to legal representation. Samantha’s trial was unexpectedly brought forward last week, and Reprieve is now calling for urgent action by the British and Lao governments to ensure Samantha is given a fair trial.

Reprieve has sent UK barrister, Anna Morris, to Laos to visit Samantha. However, despite earlier guarantees by the Lao authorities that she would be allowed into the prison, she has been denied access. Speaking from Vientiane yesterday, Anna said: “I am deeply frustrated by the lack of access to this vulnerable young woman. This is preventing Reprieve from obtaining first hand knowledge of her welfare and how she is being treated in prison.”

Reprieve is also extremely anxious about the deplorable conditions inside the prison, and the health risks they may pose to both Samantha and her unborn child.

A representative from the Lao government will be visiting Britain tomorrow, and it is hoped the British government will use this as an opportunity to raise Samantha’s case.

Please support Reprieve’s campaign to bring Samantha home, by joining their facebook event.

You can send a written message of support directly to Samantha at, Samantha Orobator, c/o Phongthang Prison, Vientiane, Laos.

Reprieve would also like to urge you to write to Samantha’s Member of Parliament, Harriet Harman, requesting her to take urgent action on Samantha’s behalf. Letters can be sent to Harriet Harman MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA, or email harmanh@parliament.uk. Harriet Harman QC, is also Minister for Women, Leader of the House of Commons and Deputy Labour Leader.

You can support Reprieve in this important and valuable work by making a donation at www.reprieve.org.uk.