Laos completes gem theft inquiry

The authorities in Laos are reported to have completed their investigation into allegations that an Australian couple tried to steal sapphires from a Laotian gem mine.

The results are now expected to be considered by the country's interior ministry.

The couple, Kerry and Kay Danes, have been held without charge since December.

Mr Danes used to work at the gem mine in northern Laos, which is at the centre of the theft allegations.

The Australian government has been pressing for their release.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service