Rights groups call for probe into shooting of Lao activist

By GRANT PECK
Associated Press

BANGKOK (AP) — Human rights groups are calling for an investigation into the shooting of a political and social activist in Laos whose posts on Facebook criticized the Southeast Asian nation’s communist government. Initial reports said Anousa Luangsuphom was killed in the attack at a coffee shop Saturday in the capital Vientiane. Human Rights Watch issued an update Thursday saying Anousa’s family and other sources provided evidence that he survived the shooting and is in a hospital receiving medical treatment. Amnesty International described Anousa as a “vocal critic of the Lao government and society.” It said Anousa ran a Facebook page called “Driven by the Keyboard,” which featured posts on a wide range of social, environmental, economic and political issues.