Hmong Protest Demands Immediate Release of Gen Vang Pao

06/08/2007 (KFSN) -- The Valley's Hmong community put on an impressive show of unity Friday for a leader now under arrest.

Hundreds gathered outside the Fresno County Courthouse demanding the release of General Vang Pao. He was arrested earlier this week accused of conspiring to overthrow the Laotian government.

They peacefully protested, many with signs that read, messages like, "General Vang Pao is a hero", "release him", "honor your war heroes and don't jail them."

The location of the protest is very significant because they centered around a Hmong, Lao, American memorial which commemorates the Hmong's efforts in helping American's efforts during the Vietnam War.

Most of the people at the rally say that jailing the General is a betrayal of their friendship.

One protestor, Cheng Vang, says, "One of the reasons I'm here is because of the General brought me here from Laos. Without him, I wouldn't be here. I would still be in Laos. He is a great leader, he is just like founding father for us."

Everyone at the rally is wearing a white shirt because they say they signify that they are here peacefully. But, they are just very upset over the arrests of General Vang Pao.

One thing we've heard about the Hmong community is that there is a big gap between the old and the young. But, at the protest, there are many young people, even though the general is decades older than they are, they still appreciate his efforts.

Saturday, the Hmong community will hold a prayer service for the several men arrested in the alleged coup plot. It's open to the public and will be at the United Methodist Church of Clovis. The service begins at 7:00 pm. Hmong Community Protests at Courthouse Demanding Release of Gen Pao

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