Defendants in alleged plot against government of Laos enter pleas in Calif. after case expands
By APMonday, October 5, 2009
Suspects in Laos plot case appear in Calif. court
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Twelve defendants charged with plotting to overthrow the communist government of Laos have pleaded not guilty in federal court in Sacramento.
Attorneys for the men said Monday that all 12 are demanding a jury trial and allege they were set up by an undercover federal agent.
A superseding indictment issued Sept. 17 charges them with trying to buy nearly $10 million in weapons and violating a law prohibiting Americans from interfering with foreign governments, among other counts. The original indictment in 2007 charged 10 of the defendants, including a retired Army lieutenant colonel. Two more were added last month.
Charges have been dropped against former Laotian Gen. Vang Pao, a leader of the nation’s Hmong community who aided American troops during the Vietnam War.
