NarinjaraNews, April 10, 2023

The former chair of theKachin Baptist Convention (KBC), Baptist Reverend, Dr. Hkalam Samson wassentenced to six years in prison by the military council on 7 April, accordingto the persons close to him.

He was sentenced to six years in prison—two years forSection 17 (a), one year for Section 505 (a) and three years for Section 52(a), according to the Myitkyina Court.

“He was unfairly imprisoned. I don’t want to give anycomments about it. I think they (military) are doing what they want as they arein power,” a person close to him told Narinjara.

The military council detained Dr. Hkalam Samson when he waswaiting at Mandalay Airport to leave for Thailand for medical treatment on 5December, 2022.

Major Thu Aung Zaw from the Northern Command filed a caseagainst him under Section 17 (1) of the Unlawful Association Act and Section505 (a) of the Penal Code.

On 14 March, the military council opened a case against himunder Section 52 (a) of the Counter-Terrorism Law, according to a person closeto the court.

Dr. Hkalam Samson was charged under Section 17 (1) of theUnlawful Association Act as he met chair of Kachin IndependenceOrganization/Kachin Independence Army (KIO/KIA) General N’ban La and MajorGeneral Gun Maw in January, 2022, lawyers said.

The military council charged him under Section 505 (a) as hesaid at a youth conference in an Asian country that “Let’s establish the Statein Jesus”. He was charged under Section 52 (a) as he met Acting President ofthe National Unity Government Duwa Lashi La, Dr. Tu Hkawng and Daw Jar HtwalPan.