A rare murder attempt in Laos:

Laotian Times, "According to an official statement released to the media, police say their initial belief is that the shooting may have been connected to a business dispute or a quarrel over a lover." No mention of his political activities.

Jack may be independent, but keep in mind that Laos is a close ally of China and Vietnam, two Communist states, with the first an identified enemy of the US. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International jumped on this case immediately.

Note: initial reports said victim had died, but he's still alive.