Laos May Send Pregnant Brit to UK Prison

A pregnant British woman jailed in Laos could be allowed to serve her sentence in the UK if she is found guilty of drug smuggling, CNN reports. British and Laotian officials signed a prisoner transfer agreement yesterday after meeting in London to discuss the case of Samantha Orobator, 20, who is expected to go on trial next week.

"At a minimum, she would be in better conditions, and it would be better for her baby if she were here," said a spokeswoman for a British human rights group. Orabator—who told the BBC her pregnancy is not the result of rape—has been detained for 10 months. Observers believe Laotian authorities are becoming increasingly concerned about the effect the publicized case may have on their tourist trade.
(More Samantha Orobator stories.)