2007 Laotian coup d'état attempt

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The 2007 Laotian coup d'état attempt was an alleged conspiracy that attempted to overthrow the government of Laos.

Contents

[edit] History

On June 4, 2007, the U.S. Department of Justice announced they had arrested ten individuals in connection with the plot as part of a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Joint Terrorism Task Force.[1] The operation, dubbed "Operation Tarnished Eagle," alleges Lt. Col. Harrison Jack (Ret.), Gen. Vang Pao, Lo Cha Thao, Youa True Vang, Hue Vang, Chong Vang Thao, Seng Vue, Chu Lo, and Lo Thao conspired to obtain scores of AK-47 assault rifles, ground-to-air Stinger missiles, M72 LAW rockets, AT-4 anti-tank missiles, mines, rockets, explosives and smoke grenades in an attempt to overthrow the government of Laos in violation of the Neutrality Act.[2]

On June 14, Dang Vang was also arrested in connection to the plot.[3] In an affidavit by Graham Barlowe, a group supervisor of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, it is alleged that at the time of Vang's arrest, he admitted preparing the operations plan.[4]

The U.S. federal judge ultimately reversed the bail decision, granting Vang Pao and the other defendants bail, even while labeling all of them flight risks, given their access to significant financial resources and private airplanes.[citation needed]

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives lead agent has also stated in a court affidavit that "probable cause exists to believe" that former Wisconsin state Senator Gary George was part of the conspiracy.[5]

On April 23, 2008, it was reported that U.S. Magistrate Judge Dale A. Drozd would hear arguments in November for motions seeking information U.S. intelligence agencies might have on the alleged coup plotters, including whether the government has intercepted electronic communication between Hmong in the United States and Laos.[6]

[edit] Reaction

Vang Pao's arrest and a preliminary decision by a U.S. federal judge to deny bail to Vang Pao and the other defendants sparked huge Hmong protest rallies in California and other states.[7]

As of early 2008, pressure built on California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and U.S. President George W. Bush to issue pardons in the case, given the defendants' historical alliance with U.S. interests in Southeast Asia.[citation needed]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Walsh, Denny. "Ten accused of conspiring to oust government of Laos", Sacramento Bee, 2007-06-05. Retrieved on 2007-07-13. 
  2. ^ U.S. Department of Justice (June 4, 2007). ""Operation Flawed Eagle" Thwarts Plot to Overthrow the Government of Laos". Press release. Retrieved on 2007-07-13.
  3. ^ Bulwa, Demian. "Feds make another arrest in alleged plot to topple Laotian government", San Francisco Chronicle, 2007-06-14. Retrieved on 2007-07-13. 
  4. ^ Walsh, Denny. "11th arrest in Laos case", Sacramento Bee, 2007-06-15. Retrieved on 2007-07-13. 
  5. ^ Bulwa, Demian. "Ex-Wisconsin lawmaker implicated in Laos coup plot, federal agent says", San Francisco Chronicle, 2007-06-05. Retrieved on 2008-04-23. 
  6. ^ Walsh, Denny. "Laos plot case back in federal court", Sacramento Bee, 2008-04-23. Retrieved on 2008-04-23. 
  7. ^ Araiza, Andres. "Hmong Protest Demands Immediate Release of Gen Vang Pao", San Francisco Chronicle, 2007-06-08. Retrieved on 2008-04-23. 

[edit] External links