Calling for National Attention for Samantha Orobator

Don't be surprised if you don't recognize this woman's name. I found out about her over at Shakesville. She is facing death by firing squad in Laos, charged with drug trafficking. Melissa of Shakesville has this to say:

Orobator's family and friends say she has no history of using or trafficking or being in any way involved with drugs—and since arriving at the prison where she is being held, Orobator has become pregnant. Anna Morris, of the London-based human rights group Reprieve, who are advocating on Orobator's behalf, says: "She became pregnant in prison. We are concerned that it may not have been consensual and we are concerned that someone who finds herself in prison at 20 is subject to exploitation." Honestly, my stomach just churns at the thought of what Orobator has been through.

At this point, Laos is saying they probably won't execute Orobator because she is pregnant, but she hasn't even been tried yet. She doesn't have a local attorney, and Morris is "the first British lawyer who has asked for access to her." Her trial has been scheduled for next week.

There is currently no national coverage on Orobator's story. Perhaps not surprisingly is that Orobator is not a white woman, and thus the media feels her story is inconsequential. Even if she is guilty of drug trafficking, not affording her media attention is absolutely racist, and not allowing a lawyer to speak with her or even have a trial before deciding on the penalty illustrates how some people are viewed as expendable. Her treatment over the past few months is no excuse, guilty or no.

Spread the word. Demand attention for this woman.