Just two days before this issue of Response went to print, we received news that Rev Samson had been released. The following article, which tells the story of his earlier release and re-detention, has been edited based on this news and we cautiously celebrate the Reverend’s release. However, given that the pastor has previously been released and taken back by the authorities for unknown reasons, we are balancing our thanks with prayers for his lasting freedom. On behalf of Rev Samson’s family and the team at CSW, thank you for praying and campaigning for his release!
After nearly 500 days of imprisonment, Reverend Dr Hkalam Samson was released on 17 April 2024. Neither Rev Samson nor his family had been made aware of the authorities’ decision to release him on that day. Nor did they know that this freedom would soon be snatched away again.
In 2023, Reverend Samson had been sentenced to six years imprisonment on charges of unlawful association, state defamation and terrorism – unfounded charges which were clearly designed to silence this vocal human rights defender and influential religious leader.
Since then, hundreds of CSW supporters have prayed and campaigned for his freedom, while we persisted in our international advocacy. In March, just one month before his release, we delivered an oral statement at the UN Human Rights Council, calling for action on the situation in Myanmar, and highlighting that Rev Samson was enduring ‘interrogations, cramped conditions and malnutrition’ in prison.
Like many others in Myanmar who have been unjustly detained since the coup, Rev Samson should never have been arrested. He is internationally known for his humanitarian and community work, and has been a committed voice for the people of Myanmar, consistently speaking out on the human rights situation in the country, including freedom of religion or belief and the rights of religious and ethnic minorities.
Initially released
On the afternoon of 17 April, Rev Samson was released as part of a national amnesty marking Myanmar’s new year. When we heard the news, we began to praise God for this victory!
Throughout the day, friends and church members visited his home, and in all the excitement of meeting people, Rev Samson didn’t have a decent meal that whole day.
Unfortunately, the situation changed. The happy occasion turned within hours.
Arrival of police
On the evening of 17 April, the family began to worry. They received word that Reverend Samson might be re-arrested.
Later that evening at about 9.30 pm, the family noticed several uniformed men gathering outside their residence. The police had come to take the pastor back to the Myitkyina prison grounds, without prior notification or any explanation.
Thunderstorms and rain that day had caused a major blackout in the area, meaning the electric gate was unable to function. This made it a challenge for anyone trying to access the residence.
At about 11.30 pm, the police returned to the property with some fuel and used a generator to open the gate. They claimed that they only wanted to enter the premises to greet Rev Samson and ask him some questions.
After a casual conversation, they informed Rev Samson that their superiors had instructed them to take him back with them.
They said they had no intention of putting him back in prison, but he would be a ‘guest’ in a house within the premises of the prison.
Perplexed by the outcome, unsure what the police meant by a ‘guest’, and not wanting to give the police an excuse to arrest him, the family agreed that Reverend Samson would go, but only if accompanied by his wife and another member of the Kachin Baptist Convention who would be guests, too. His wife was released the next day.
Detained as a ‘guest’
Rev Samson was kept against his will in a property within the Myitkyina prison grounds, which had a 24-hour guard watch. He had a Bible, a bed, bathroom facilities, and place to eat his meals. A member of his family was allowed to take him meals daily. However, his movements were limited. According to sources, he appears to have lost a great deal of weight during his time in prison, and he is in need of a full health and dental check.
His family are unable to process what has happened, but Rev Samson has been a source of inspiration and encouragement to them every time they visited him in the guest house.
Reverend Samson’s faith remained steadfast throughout his detention. While neither he nor the family may ever fully understand the reasons behind his re-detention, he believes that God is always at work and has called everyone to trust in God and reflect Christ no matter the situation.
‘God is at work even at places that we do not remember to pray about.’ – Rev Samson
Reverend Samson was released on 22 July 2024. Pray for Reverend Samson’s lasting freedom, and for all those still held unjustly by the military junta in Myanmar.