Pregnant Briton detained in Laos 'has already miscarried'
Samantha Orobator has been in jail since August last year
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Tuesday, 05, May 2009 05:21
A pregnant Briton accused of drug smuggling in Laos has already had one miscarriage in prison, lawyers have claimed.
Human rights organisations have seized on the claims as evidence Samantha Orobator, who is five months pregnant, is being held in substandard conditions.
Charity Reprieve has already revealed the 20-year-old, from south London, has been denied legal access.
Ms Orobator has been in jail since August last year after allegedly being caught with 680g of heroin.
Her trial was recently brought forward and is expected to start this week.
Reacting to the latest claims, Reprieve executive director Clare Algar said: "In light of the new US state department report on the deplorable conditions [in Laotian prisons], the need for proper healthcare is urgent."
Concerns have been raised over the lack of legal support Ms Orobator has received prior to her trial, but the charity Reprieve earlier announced a lawyer has been given permission to visit the 20-year-old.
The claims appear to have premature, however, with fresh updates from the charity this afternoon claiming lawyer Anna Morris was refused access to the prison where Ms Orobator is being held.
Reprieve claim no reason was given by the Laos authorities as to why the meeting had been cancelled.
Speaking from Vientane, in Laos, Ms Morris 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.
"I also do not have any news of a trial date, despite being told at incredibly short notice that it will take place this week.
"Reprieve is in Vientiane to ensure that Samantha's basic human rights are respected and protected. We urge the Lao authorities allow us access to speak Samantha as promised, to appoint her a Laotian lawyer and to conduct a fair and open trial process."
Other reports today suggest Ms Orobator will escape the death penalty even if found guilty as the country's law bans executing pregnant prisoners.
A spokeswoman for the Foreign Office said she was unaware of the reports that Ms Orobator would escape the death penalty.
In an open letter to foreign secretary David Miliband, Reprieve asks the foreign secretary to "ensure that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office redouble its efforts on behalf of Samantha Orobator".