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All strong countries exert pressure on those weaker than them to further their own national interest. This is the reality of how nations have all interacted, it works the same for America or the UK or France or Ethiopia, or anybody else.
Furthermore, there are international human rights laws, and if some court in Laos passes a local ruling that disobeys international human rights laws then it is illegal and invalid. It is not legal to lock up an 20 year woman, allow her to be raped in prison, not give her any legal counsel, and then shoot her. Whether Laos claims it is legal or not, it is not.
Now, a week ago the talk coming out of Laos is that the death penalty was mandatory if she was found guilty.
Now the talk coming out is that the death penalty wouldnt be applied and that she could serve her time in the UK
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Now, whatever obtuse points people want to make, the realpolitik situation is playing out as I said it should... I well believe the UK govt might have left this woman to die... but once the media got hold of it and the strength of the the British people's feelings was helf, the govt (which is under siege over their disgraceful treatment of the Gurkha's and the current crisis with regards to expenses claims (ie trough guzzling MPs)) has gone to Laos and told them basically in laymens terms "your running a risk here boys, our people will not allow a disgusting execution like this to be carried out on a young British girl without demanding very heavy retaliation... we will have no choice but to address these concerns, very rough like..." and the Laos govt have seen common sense.
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"Do not tell lies, and do not do what you hate,
for all things are plain in the sight of Heaven. For nothing
hidden will not become manifest, and nothing covered will remain
without being uncovered."
The Gospel of Thomas
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