Lao Christian Pastor Detained since 2020 Finally Released 04/11/2021 Laos (International Christian Concern) – A Lao pastor who was arrested by the authorities after he refused to cease worship early last year was finally released. According to Radio Free Asia, an official of the provincial prosecutor’s office told RFA that Pastor Sithon Thippavong, 35, was released on April 9 after being convicted by the Provincial People’s Court on April 6 on charges of “disrupting unity” and “creating disorder.” “He was sentenced to one year and two months in jail and fined a total of four million kip [U.S. $426], with two million kip paid for each charge,” the official who asked for anonymity said.