Kay Danes was wrongfully imprisoned in Laos, one of the world’s poorest communist states.
Monday 6 July 2015
Kay Danes was wrongfully imprisoned in Laos, one of the world’s poorest communist states.
Fifteen years ago Kay and her husband, Kerry, were living in Laos with their young children.
Two days before Christmas, Kay and Kerry were falsely accused of stealing jewellery and gems, from the country’s biggest sapphire mine.
They were separated from their children, and imprisoned in a Lao jail.
Kay was subjected to physical violence, and Kerry was tortured, to try and force them to admit their guilt.
Even though the Australian Ambassador worked long and hard to get them a presidential pardon, it was nearly a year before they were released.
Kay has managed to regain her health and now works to help other political prisoners held abroad.
She received the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2014, for service to the community through promoting social justice and human rights.
Further listening and information
Philippe na Champassak was born a prince in the royal family of Laos, in South East Asia.
Kay works with Foreign Prisoner Support Service.
Kay received the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2014 for service to the community through promoting social justice and human rights.
