The families of two young women who died in Laos are seeking answers and accountability following their suspected methanol poisoning. Médecins Sans Frontières has tracked over 14,000 suspected methanol poisoning deaths since 1998, underlining the risks associated with consuming bootleg liquor made from ingredients like rice and sugarcane. Despite this alarming statistic, the Lao government has yet to address the families of the victims directly or acknowledge methanol poisoning as a cause of death. The situation has led to mounting criticism over the lack of transparency and communication from Lao authorities.
In south-east Asia, brewing bootleg liquor is a cultural norm, but it carries significant dangers. Methanol, a toxic substance found in some illicitly produced alcoholic drinks, can lead to severe health complications or even death. The tragic deaths of Anne-Sofie and Freja highlight these risks. However, death certificates provided in Laos for both women make no mention of methanol poisoning. Instead, they list heart failure as the cause of death, leaving families in a desperate search for clarity and justice.
The Lao government has rejected foreign assistance in investigating the deaths, complicating efforts to uncover the truth. Didier Coyman, Anne-Sofie's father, was informed that an autopsy could not be conducted due to a lack of capabilities in Laos. This absence of postmortem toxicology testing raises concerns about whether Freja's death will be treated as part of the cluster of suspected methanol poisoning deaths. The families' bid to meet with Laos' ambassador to Australia has also gone unanswered, further fueling their frustration.
Lack of Accountability and Transparency
The families have publicly criticized the Lao government's handling of the investigation, citing a lack of transparency and communication. The only public statement from Lao authorities vowed to bring those responsible for the mass poisoning to justice under existing laws. However, without official documentation confirming methanol poisoning as the cause of death, accountability remains elusive.
“There needs to be some kind of accountability around what’s going on,” said Karsten Sorensen, expressing the families' growing frustration.
Two articles in the Lao penal code could potentially be used to prosecute individuals responsible for manufacturing methanol that leads to mass poisoning. Yet, as noted by Shaun Bowles, the penalties may not reflect the severity of the crime.
“10 years in prison seems very soft for knowingly producing something that can take people’s lives,” Bowles commented.
The lack of direct communication from Lao authorities only deepens the families' distress. They are left with more questions than answers and a pressing need for justice for their loved ones.
Struggles for Recognition and Closure
The absence of concrete evidence and official recognition of methanol poisoning complicates the families' pursuit of justice. According to Karsten Sorensen, the lack of facts surrounding their daughters' deaths poses significant challenges.
“You could, at any point, come up with a situation saying that, well, we have no recognition of this being methanol poisoning because there are no facts behind it. You have no claim to any kind of recognition to some kind of wrongdoing,” Sorensen stated.
Freja's death certificate cites "acute heart failure" as the cause, while Lao authorities concluded that Anne-Sofie also died from heart failure. This explanation does not align with the circumstances leading up to their tragic demise. The families argue that without postmortem toxicology testing, it is difficult to confirm methanol poisoning as the cause and secure recognition for any wrongdoing.
“There’s no official documentation of facts underpinning that our girls passed away due to methanol poisoning,” Sorensen emphasized.
The lack of closure has left a lasting impact on the families, who struggle daily with their loss.
“Every single morning, every single day, every minute of every day, we have big holes in our hearts, and we don’t want that to happen to other people,” Mark Jones expressed.
Calls for Justice and Reform
Despite the challenges they face, the families remain determined to seek justice and prevent similar tragedies from occurring. They believe that their daughters would want them to continue this fight.
“I think this is what they’d want us to be doing,” Bianca Jones stated.
The families have reached out to multiple authorities, hoping to instigate change and ensure accountability. However, their efforts have been met with silence from Lao officials. The absence of communication and cooperation only fuels their resolve to bring attention to the issue and prevent future incidents.
“If it was one of us, or if it was one of their friends or another family member, they would be on the frontline, making sure that someone was held accountable,” Shaun Bowles argued.