Pregnant heroin smuggler given life

The life sentence for 20-year-old Samantha Orobator came after a one-day trial in the Lao capital during which she pleaded guilty and named several of her alleged accomplices.

Heroin trafficking is punishable by death, but she was spared because Lao law does not allow the execution of pregnant women, said court spokesman Chanthaly Duangvilai.

Under a pact signed last month by Laos and Britain which still needs ratification, Orobator could be extradited to serve her time in Britain. Lao officials, however, could still veto her return.

Orobator - who was the only defendant in the case - had been jailed since last August, but her plight drew public attention only last month after the British legal charity Reprieve publicised her circumstances and what they believed was the possibility she could be executed by firing squad if found guilty.

The case attracted particular interest because Orobator became pregnant while incarcerated. Lao officials have asserted that she may have artificially inseminated herself while behind bars.

"We're relieved that the trial has taken place. We're hoping the British government will get her home as soon as possible for the health of her and her baby," said Katherine O'Shea of Reprieve.

Orobator arrived in court wearing a blue prison outfit and smiling to reporters. She was escorted by female prison guards but was not in handcuffs or ankle chains.

Her mother also attended the trial by a three-judge panel, as did several British consular officials. Her mother looked visibly distressed leaving court after the trial, but Orobator appeared calm.

Orobator's mother recently said her daughter had not been raped by prison officials or fellow prisoners, as some media had speculated. The Vientiane Times quoted police as saying Orobator told authorities she secretly obtained sperm from a fellow prisoner to impregnate herself to avoid the death penalty. The state-run newspaper did not name the sources or give other details.