Jailed Briton 'will get fair trial'
A pregnant British woman who faces possible death by firing squad for allegedly smuggling heroin will get a fair trial, officials in Laos have insisted.
Samantha Orobator, 20, from south London, has been languishing in jail since last August after she was allegedly caught with 1.5lb (680g) of heroin.
Anna Morris, a lawyer for legal rights charity Reprieve who flew into Laos on Sunday, said she was concerned that Orobator had not been assigned a defence lawyer.
"She hasn't been appointed a lawyer yet and that has been our concern," Ms Morris said. "We are concerned that any hearing may be quite quick in comparison to what will happen in other countries."
Laotian government spokesman Khenthong Nuanthasing insisted: "The trial will be carried out fairly."
He said it is expected to be held this week but was unable to confirm a date.
Ms Morris said she has been granted permission to meet with Orobator, who is five months pregnant, on Tuesday.
It was initially thought the Briton might face trial as early as Monday but a Foreign Office spokeswoman confirmed the hearing is now due to take place later this week.
Ms Morris said: "We are concerned about the effect of the uncertainty on Sam's well-being. We just seek clarity from the Lao government as soon as possible as to what exactly is going to happen so that we can advise her properly."
The British vice-consul from Bangkok in the neighbouring country of Thailand flew out to Laos on Sunday to check on Orobator. A spokesman for the embassy said: "(The vice-consul) will try to see her today. We are trying very hard to ensure that she does have good legal representation."
