A family member informed Myitkyina News Journal that Dr. Hkalam Samson, the former president of the Kachin Baptist Convention (KBC), frequently became sick while in prison.
The family member also mentioned that Dr. Hkalam Samson has been experiencing symptoms similar to pneumonia, such as coughing, wheezing, and fever, for a period of five months.
Family members are currently unable to meet in person, but they have managed to send medicine and essential supplies. Despite following the prescribed medication, Dr. Hkalam Samson's health has been improving, though he continues to experience coughing and wheezing, according to a family member's statement to Myitkyina News Journal.
"We are unable to meet him in person, but we can send him things, like medicine. His lungs are in poor condition, and we're unsure of the cause. He falls ill intermittently, experiencing occasional colds. Due to his weakened lungs, he often experiences pain, frequent coughing, and wheezing," said a family member.
Currently, in addition to cough and asthma medications, Dr. Hkalam Samson is also taking medication to manage high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and elevated levels of iron chloride. The aforementioned family member also requested prayers for his recovery from the illness.
"If he is at home, we can provide close care and support. He mentioned that he is slightly improving, but dealing with a cough and asthma is undoubtedly challenging. Dr. Hkalam Samson mentioned that prayers from people played a significant role in his release during the interrogation. Now, facing this illness, let us continue to pray for his recovery."
Dr. Hkalam Samson received a six-year prison sentence for three charges as a result of the final court judgment. Despite making an appeal to the district court regarding these cases, the appeal was ultimately rejected.
The lawyer handling Dr. Hkalam Samson's case mentioned that despite the appeal being rejected by the district court, there is still a chance to take the case to higher courts like the state court and the union supreme court.
On April 7, Dr. Hkalam Samson was given a two-year prison sentence for Section 17-1, a one-year prison sentence for 505-A, and a three-year prison sentence for Section 52-A, resulting in a total of six years of imprisonment.
Major Thu Aung Zaw from the Northern Command filed a case against Dr. Hkalam Samson, charging him under Section 17 (1) of the Unlawful Association Act and Section 505 (a) of the Penal Code. Furthermore, on March 14, an additional charge was brought against him under Section 52 (a) of the Counter-Terrorism Law.
Dr. Hkalam Samson is facing charges under Section 17(1) for meeting with KIO/KIA Chairman General N'ban La and General Gun Maw in January 2022. Additionally, he has been charged under Section 505(a) for allegedly defaming the nation when he discussed the topic of 'Let's build a nation in Christ' at a youth conference in Asia.
Furthermore, Dr. Hkalam Samson also faced a charge under Article 52(A) for allegedly having a meeting with Acting President of the National Unity Government (NUG) Duwa Lashi La, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation Doctor Tu Hkawng, and Deputy Minister of Education Daw Ja Htoi Pan.
Dr. Hkalam Samson was detained by the Military Council on December 5, 2022, as he was preparing to travel from Tada-U International Airport in Mandalay to undergo a medical check-up in Bangkok, Thailand.
