Arabic version: من المتوقع أن توجّه لاوس تهمًا للمشتبه بهم في وفيات رحّالة بتسمم الميثانول
Laotian officials are expected to outline the conclusion of their investigation into a mass methanol poisoning at the Nana Backpackers Hostel in Vang Vieng in November 2024. Two Melbourne teenagers, Bianca Jones and Holly Morton-Bowles, both 19, were among six tourists who died after the incident; two Danish women, an American man and a British woman also died. More than a dozen people fell seriously ill after drinking at the hostel.
According to ABC News, Laos officials could seek to charge those allegedly responsible with two offences that collectively carry up to one year in jail and a maximum fine of $1,600. The ABC understands the proposed charges may include operating a business illegally and the production or sale of consumer goods that are hazardous to health.
The fathers of the two Australians have reacted strongly. Mark Jones told the ABC “(feeling) furious would be an understatement” and said: “To think that the lives of my daughter, and another five people is worth less than a year in prison and less than $1600 dollars,” adding he had “no words for the disgust” at what Laos authorities were proposing as justice and calling on the Australian government to intervene, asking the prime minister to reach out to his Lao counterpart. Shaun Bowles described the proposed penalties as “very hard to comprehend” and said the families had “tried every avenue” and were relying on their government for help.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been briefed on the possible charges and sent a letter to the teenagers’ families. DFAT told the families: “We recognise how disappointing and frustrating this development will be,” and said it “will again convey our strong views about the inadequacy of the charges directly to the Lao authorities.” Earlier this year the Australian government called in the Lao ambassador in Canberra amid criticism of Laos’s response to the fatal methanol poisoning.
In January, 10 people linked to the hostel were found guilty of destroying evidence in a Lao court; they were fined an amount the families understood to be about $185 and given suspended sentences. That charge related only to the death of a US tourist. What happens next: officials in Laos are expected to outline the conclusion of their investigation on Friday afternoon and may formally lay the proposed charges.
Related sections: Australia/استراليا | Victoria | General | World/العالم | Australian Capital Territory
