Rev. Hkalam Samson: The Resilient Voice for Human Rights in Myanmar

Rev. Hkalam Samson, a prominent Christian church leader and human rights advocate from Myanmar's Kachin ethnic minority, was released from prison after being detained for 16 months. Initially arrested in December 2022 for various charges, his release was welcomed by international communities. Samson remains a key figure in advocating for Kachin rights.

Rev. Hkalam Samson, a leading figure in Myanmar's Kachin ethnic minority and a staunch human rights advocate, was freed from prison earlier this week. Samson, detained since December 2022, was initially released in April before being re-detained hours later. He was released again from the Myitkyina prison compound on Monday.

Samson, a former head of the Kachin Baptist Convention and current chair of the Kachin National Consultative Assembly, was arrested on charges including unlawful association and incitement. The Kachin state in northern Myanmar has seen ongoing conflict between the military and Kachin guerrillas for decades.

The U.S. State Department expressed relief at Samson's release, acknowledging his vital role in advocating for Kachin rights and criticizing Myanmar's military regime. Samson's advocacy work includes a notable 2019 meeting with then-U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss ethnic minority rights abuses.

(With inputs from agencies.)