Myanmar: US Calls For Release of Imprisoned Baptist Pastor

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by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – The US has called for the release of a Baptist pastor in Myanmar who was re-arrested and imprisoned by the ruling military junta just hours after being unexpectedly released with other prisoners last week, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.

Rev. Dr. Hkalam Samson, a respected church leader and former chair of the Kachin Baptist Convention, is serving a six-year sentence he received in April last year for alleged unlawful association, incitement of opposition to the Tatmadaw regime, and terrorism, ICC reports. Samson is renowned as an advocate for the rights of religious and ethnic minorities in Myanmar.

On April 17, in celebration of the Buddhist New Year festival of Thingyan, Tatmadaw officials released 3,300 prisoners, including Samson, ICC said. However, the pastor was taken back into custody that same night.

Calling for Samson’s release, the US Department of State said in a press release on April 17: “We join the international community in condemning the sentencing of Reverend Dr. Hkalam Samson and call for his immediate and unconditional release…Burma’s brutal military regime has targeted Rev. Dr. Samson, a prominent, well-respected religious figure, for his courageous work, including advocating for freedom of religion or belief.”

“Reverend Dr. Samson has devoted his pastoral career to supporting peace efforts, drug eradication, advocating for justice and equality for Kachin Christians and throughout Burma, and facilitating the safe and voluntary return of more than 100,000 displaced Kachin people to their homes,” the State Department said. “We urge the regime to cease its unconscionable repression against religious actors, communities, and houses of worship in Burma and end the violence.”

Controlled by the brutal Burmese Army (Tatmadaw), Buddhist-majority Myanmar ranks 17 on the Open Doors World Watch List 2024 of the top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted.

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