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Distillery Owner Faces Charges Over 2024 Methanol Poisonings That Killed Australians
Photo: The Sydney Morning Herald
2026-07-17 20:52   Justice   10

Distillery Owner Faces Charges Over 2024 Methanol Poisonings That Killed Australians

A Laotian distillery owner faces charges over the November 2024 methanol poisoning incident that killed six foreign nationals, including two Australian teenagers.Danish officials claim the defendant could receive up to four years in prison, while Australian authorities suggest a maximum one-year sentence.The case has sparked outrage in Australia, with Foreign Minister Penny Wong criticising Laos for its handling of the tragedy.The victims, who stayed at a hostel in Vang Vieng, consumed drinks contaminated with methanol, a deadly byproduct of alcohol production.Lao authorities have not pursued more severe charges, leading to concerns about judicial transparency and corruption.Australian officials have raised travel advisories for Laos, warning of inconsistent legal processes.Families of the victims remain frustrated, citing conflicting information from Laotian authorities and calls for justice.The distillery, Tiger, denies responsibility, but its products were linked to the incident.Investigations continue as international pressure mounts for accountability.

Full reading at The Sydney Morning Herald

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