Hkalam Samson

Gender: Male

Current Location: Myitkyina Prison, Kachin State

Perpetrator: Burma

Religion or Belief: Christian – Protestant

Reports of Torture: No

Reports of Medical Neglect: No

Sentence: 6 Years' Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: December/4/2022

Date of Sentencing: April/7/2023

Current Status: Not Released

Religious Leader: Yes

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment

Reason for Persecution: Attending a Religious Gathering or Meeting Giving, Sharing, & Listening to a Religious Speech Religious Activity Religious Figure & Religious Leadership Role Religious Freedom Advocacy

Nature of Charges: Illegal Assembly Terrorism

Hkalam Samson

Extra Bio Info:

Hkalam Samson is imprisoned for his religious activity and religious leadership role. 

On December 4, 2022, authorities arrested Samson, a pastor and advisor to the Kachin Baptist Convention, at Mandalay International Airport as he attempted to fly to Thailand for medical treatment.

On December 5, 2022, Samson was put on a plane back to Myitkyina in Kachin State, where he was arrested again upon landing.

On December 6, 2022, it was reportedly learned that Samson was facing prosecution in relation to his preaching and speeches made in Bible classes. Samson's charges were unclear. Prior to his arrest, Samson had arranged the funerals of an October military junta airstrike on a Kachin Independence Army concert that killed 60 people. He also attempted to get medical care for those seriously injured in the strike. A month later, he also took part in a prayer meeting commemorating those who died.

On April 7, 2023, authorities in Kachin State sentenced Samson to six years in prison on charges of terrorism, unlawful association, and inciting opposition to the military regime. 

Samson previously faced prosecution after meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss religious freedom in Burma in July 2019.

Sources: