Publications

The Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Laos) has not carried out any executions since 1989, but courts are still handing down death sentences and more than 300 persons are currently on death row. Despite having a de facto moratorium on executions since 1989, Laos has yet to institute a formal moratorium on the use of the death penalty. There is currently at least one woman on death row in Laos. Defendants who face potential death penalties have limited access to counsel, and legal professionals in Laos do not have adequate training on criminal procedures and proceedings. The judicial system does not appear to be impartial or independent from political influence, and judicial actors are susceptible to bribes. Finally, the conditions in prisons and detention centers are harsh.