Laos Frees 2 Americans Who Had Crossed Border in Hunt for POWs
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BANGKOK, Thailand — Two Americans who illegally entered Laos in search of American prisoners of war were freed Saturday after supporters paid $1,500 and canceled a protest at the Laotian Embassy in Washington.
Donna Long and James Copp, both of North Carolina, arrived in Bangkok on a flight from Vientiane, the Laotian capital. They appeared exhausted after 41 days of detention, 32 in solitary confinement.
“It was a horrible 41 days, but I don’t regret it,” said Long.
Long, a 45-year-old writer, and Copp, a 44-year-old schoolteacher, were arrested Oct. 3 as they were distributing leaflets advertising a $2.4-million reward for the return of any American MIAs.
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