The Australian Government has said it is disappointed in the Laos Government’s response to the 2024 methanol poisoning deaths of six tourists, including Australian 19-year-olds Bianca Jones and Holly Morton-Bowles.
On Friday it was revealed Laotian authorities would deliver the final charges in this case, carrying a sentence of up to one year in prison and a maximum fine of $AU1,600.
Bianca’s father, Mark Jones, told ABC the outcome was “unacceptable,” while Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Australia “will continue to advocate”.
Background
In November 2024, Melbourne teenagers Holly Morton-Bowles and Bianca Jones, died after a mass methanol poisoning incident at the Nana Backpackers Hostel in Vang Vieng, two hours outside Laos’ capital Vientiane.
The teenagers were there backpacking on their gap year. Four other foreign nationals also died from methanol poisoning.
Charges
On Friday, multiple Australian media outlets reported that Laotian authorities were expected to lay charges carrying a sentence of up to one year in prison and a maximum fine of $AU1,600 for those involved.
In February, 10 people connected to the hostel were fined $AU260 each for destroying evidence related to the case.
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Throughout the case, the victims’ families and the Australian Government have criticised Laos authorities’ response to the incident.
Govt response
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said: “The Australian Government is deeply frustrated and bitterly disappointed that authorities in Laos are not pursuing the most serious charges in relation to the methanol poisoning deaths of Australian citizens Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones.”
Families' response
Speaking to ABC, Bianca’s father, Mark Jones, said: “I don't have words for the disgust that I have with what the Laos authorities are suggesting is meant to be justice for the deaths of six tourists.”
He added that both girls “were incredible human beings. They loved life, they loved their mates, they loved their families.”
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said she is “bitterly disappointed” and that the Government has “consistently made clear our expectations that charges should reflect the gravity of the tragedy”.
