Your insight into religious freedom
July-October 2024
Freedom for Reverend Samson
Also inside this issue:
Cuba: Small victories for Pastor Lorenzo
Perspectives: My role as CSW's Parliamentary Liaison and more...
2024.
Rev Samson's initial release, April
Photo: KBC Kachin
Freedom for Rev Samson
■ 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!
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!
pastor back to the Myitkyina prison grounds, without prior notification or any explanation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
‘God is at work even at places that we do not remember to pray about.’
Rev Samson
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.
Released: Reverend
was released on 22 July 2024.
Detained as a ‘guest’
Rev Samson was kept against his will in a property within the Myitkyina prison grounds, which had a 24hour 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.
Pray for Reverend Samson’s lasting freedom, and for all those still held unjustly by the military
Small victories for Pastor Lorenzo
■ For the past three years, many of you have been praying, protesting, and writing to Pastor Lorenzo Rosales Fajardo and his family in Cuba. Our team has been working alongside you, maintaining regular contact with his wife and children, and ensuring his case is being raised at every level.
Here is an update on a major breakthrough we’ve seen this year.
In February 2024, the United Nations (UN) Working Group on Arbitrary Detention adopted an opinion on Pastor Lorenzo’s case, ruling that his imprisonment meets their definition of arbitrary detention. In fact, they said it contravenes nine different Articles of the UN Declaration of Human Rights.
The international recognition of this injustice is a significant breakthrough! It confirms what we have known all along: that Pastor Lorenzo Rosales Fajardo should not be in prison. There was no justifiable basis for his arrest while peacefully protesting on 11 July 2021.
The UN Working Group also called for reparations to be made, and for a full, independent investigation into his unjust detention.
The truth prevailed
The decision came almost two years after CSW originally submitted Pastor Lorenzo’s case to the UN Working Group, providing them with detailed evidence.
The Government of Cuba was also given an opportunity to share its side of the story, and it did, with a lengthy list of false accusations against Pastor Lorenzo. In the end, the truth prevailed.
Rev Dr Samson April 2024. Photo: KBC Kachin
junta in Myanmar.
Samson
Pastor Lorenzo on a visit home
When we shared the decision the family, Pastor Lorenzo’s wife, Maridilegnis (who is also a lawyer) responded:
‘…this decision is a great victory because [the Cuban government] have been exposed internationally and they have been unable to maintain their lies and injustices. It is very, very good. We give thanks to God for this case, and we honour the life of everyone at…CSW for all the work that they have done without giving up…We are very encouraged.’
‘All of this lets me know that I am not alone…’
We have seen progress in Pastor Lorenzo’s case since his violent arrest during the national protests calling for freedom on 11 July 2021. While he suffered severe mistreatment in the first year of his imprisonment, he has since been moved to a minimumsecurity prison near his home.
Although he is still subjected to forced labour, he has been allowed some day passes to visit his family at home. He continues to share his faith with other prisoners and has even been able to baptise some of them.
None of this would have happened were it not for your prayers, your protests, and the letters and cards you’ve sent his family. These cards have encouraged and given them strength, knowing they have a larger family around the world standing with them in solidarity.
And you don’t need to take our word for it. Pastor Lorenzo sent the following message in a letter which he asked us to share with all of those who have supported him and his family in different ways:
‘We thank God for all the brothers, sisters, and friends who always pray and are interested in me. Thank you for your displays of affection and Christian love, for the…letters I receive daily from all over the world, for the phone calls, and all the spiritual and material help offered to me and my family. All of this lets me know that I am not alone, nor forgotten in this tribulation. I have not lost my JOY, that is, my happiness, being able survive in prison… there are sad days [when] I lack the motivation to pray, but today I can say like the Apostle Paul to the Philippians, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Navigating
Every time you pray, take part in an act of protest, or write a card of encouragement it makes a difference. We will continue together until Pastor Lorenzo is free.
Pray using p.2 of the Prayer Diary.
the corridors of advocacy in Parliament:
My role as CSW's Parliamentary Liaison
■ ‘I am deeply committed to enhancing CSW’s presence and advocacy in Parliament,’ says Chibuzor, who joined CSW as UK Liaison last year. Read on to discover how she is helping CSW make a difference – especially in this general election year.
Chibuzor speaking at an event
Tell us about your role.
Put simply, I work to bring CSW’s expertise into Parliament and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office or FCDO. My role extends beyond forums and inquiries into the very fabric of parliamentary processes and international diplomacy.
I have had the privilege of drafting speeches and briefings for numerous Members of Parliament, Lords, and Bishops – providing them with detailed research and poignant cases from the countries we advocate for, including China, Vietnam, North Korea, Myanmar/Burma, Iran and many more.
What encourages and humbles me the most is the trusted position CSW holds. Our research and data are relied upon, our perspectives sought after, and our contributions to parliamentary speeches are a testament to our influence and credibility.
‘We believe our research and analysis enable policy-makers to stand up for freedom of religion or belief.’
CSW’s manifesto #4
It’s important that we maintain a good working relationship with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Our interaction with FCDO ministers has been vital in bridging any potential gaps between our advocacy efforts in the UK and diplomatic engagements abroad. This meticulous process ensures that our diplomatic posts are provided with rich data, compelling facts, and credible reports from real people that engender meaningful engagement.
I also proactively support the work of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for International Freedom of Religion or Belief. This is a cross-party group of parliamentarians who seek to raise the profile of this crucial human right. We have engaged in numerous discussions covering a wide range of geographical regions and issues – from women's rights to freedom of religion or belief in countries like Cuba, Nigeria and Pakistan.
Why does CSW’s presence in Parliament matter?
We play a pivotal role in monitoring and reporting on violations of freedom of religion or belief worldwide and supporting grassroots efforts to protect this essential human right.
My work is instrumental in providing the FCDO and parliamentarians with timely and accurate data so that the latter can table questions
in Parliament and conduct inquiries, while the former can feed into government policy. I’m also tasked with ensuring the UK holds governments and non-state actors accountable for religious discrimination and persecution.
How did the general election impact your work?
The start of 2024 set the stage for the crucial general election in July. We made it a priority to help our UK supporters engage effectively with parliamentary candidates – to help put human rights at the heart of the election. After all, if freedom of religion or belief matters to you, it should matter to your incoming MPs too!
Encouragingly, over 700 messages were sent to candidates across the UK, urging them to prioritise human rights (including freedom of religion or belief) if elected. Thank you for raising your voice! As well as creating this email template, we also drafted a guide with questions to ask at hustings events, plus a fact sheet for parliamentary candidates too.
What else have you been focusing on this year?
A key part of our advocacy this year has involved working towards enshrining the position of Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief into law.
Fiona Bruce and Mervyn Thomas at Iran report launch, 2024
Perspectives: Chibuzor, UK Liaison
The Special Envoy is an important role, and making it permanent would show that the UK is serious about advocating for this fundamental freedom in the long-term.
Now that we are post-election, with a new government, I have been working with the APPG for FoRB and The Labour Party to prepare the new Special Envoy for her role and continue the enshrinement of the position into law.
‘Regrettably, too many Governments view [freedom of religion or belief] merely as a topic of niche interest,’ former FoRB Envoy Fiona Bruce MP said following the second reading of the Bill. ‘But [it] is not a niche topic, and that perception has to change.’
In collaboration with Fiona Bruce's office, we have engaged deeply in the legislative process, sharing information within our networks and actively participating in parliamentary hearings and debates. Unfortunately, the snap election meant there was no time for the Bill pass.
I have also concentrated on deepening our engagement with left-leaning Members of Parliament, particularly from the Labour Party, which is now in government. We aim to ensure that CSW’s mandate resonates within Labour's broader vision, thereby fostering a robust alliance that continues to champion the right to freedom of religion or belief worldwide.
What has been a highlight?
One of the highlights of this year was preparing for an extensive inquiry on China, scheduled for this summer. This inquiry – a collaborative effort involving CSW, the APPG FoRB and the office of the former FoRB Envoy – aims to delve into the complex issues involving religious freedom and human rights defenders in the region.
What encourages you to keep going?
I am particularly enthusiastic about enhancing our support for human rights defenders; those who stand boldly in the face of injustice and oppression. Their courage and resilience is truly awe-inspiring. In the coming months, I am committed to developing new strategies to support these brave individuals in Parliament by providing them with the necessary assistance they need to advance their activism.
Whether you’re a CSW supporter in the UK or elsewhere around the world, I want to encourage you to continue raising awareness in your communities about the challenges faced by those who are targeted for their beliefs worldwide. Through prayer circles, social media advocacy, or direct communication with local politicians, every action counts. By leveraging our collective influence, we can keep the conversation of freedom of religion or belief alive and at the forefront of the national agenda.
Around the world
FINALLY FREE: Zhang Zhan released from prison
‘At 5am on 13 May, the police brought me to my brother’s home in Shanghai. Thank you for all your help and support… I really don’t know what else to say.’
Zhang Zhan, a ‘Wuhan whistleblower’, has finally been released from prison. The citizen journalist and human rights defender served a four-year sentence on charges of ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’– but she never should have spent a day in prison. Her only ‘crime’ was to seek the truth at all costs.
Inspired by her Christian faith, Zhang went to Wuhan to report on the COVID-19 pandemic. She was arrested on 14 May 2020 and later sentenced in a closed-door trial, which lasted less than three hours.
During her time in prison, Zhang Zhan’s health became critical as she embarked on a hunger strike. It is a huge relief that her sentence is over, and the Chinese government must now ensure that she is fully free.
‘We should seek the truth and seek it at all costs. Truth has always been the most expensive thing in the world.’
Zhang Zhan
Mexico: Over 150 Protestant Christians displaced in Hidalgo State
We are continuing to advocate for over 150 Protestant Christians, including 75 children and infants, who were forcibly displaced from the villages of Rancho Nuevo and Coamila in April.
The families fled after village leaders cut off the electricity to their homes, vandalised their church, blocked access to some of their homes and posted guards at the village entry points. This was the culmination of ten years of FoRB violations affecting the religious minority, which have grown more severe over the years.
Zhang Zhan filmed after her release, May 2024. Credit: Free Zhang Zhan Campaign
Around the world:
The displaced families have been pressured by the municipal government to sign illegal agreement, which would allow the village leaders – the perpetrators –to fine the victims 750,000 Mexican Pesos (about 31,000 pounds) based on each the date of each family’s conversion to Protestantism. Although most of the families would be allowed to return – it would be under the same severe restrictions on their freedom of religion or belief and five families would be banned from returning altogether.
EGYPT:
Church construction site attacked
There has been a concerning rise in attacks on churches and Christian homes in areas of Upper Egypt. In April, two villages in Minya Province saw attacks within days of each other.
On 23 April extremists attacked the Christian community in Al-Fawakher village, following rumours that they
were planning to build a church. Several homes belonging to Christians were destroyed during the violence.
Then on 26 April, a mob attacked the construction site of a new Evangelical church in Al-Kom Al-Ahmar village. Once built, the church will serve more than 2,000 Evangelical Christians in the area. The building’s foundations and sewage system were destroyed, and the mob also attacked properties belonging to Christians. Thankfully no one was hurt.
INDIA:
Hundreds evicted from homes
Around 400 Muslim families were evicted from their homes in the Sipajhar region of Assam State on 20 May. The families received no warning before their homes were demolished by bulldozers.
This is the second time many of these families have been evicted. Many were also targeted in the same region in September 2021, when more than 1,000 homes were demolished, over
7,000 people were left homeless, and two Muslims were killed.
At the time, the government claimed that the eviction drive would make way for an experimental agricultural project. However, there is still no evidence of any agricultural development.
One of the victims told CSW that their community feels persecuted for their faith. ‘Why are only Muslimdominated areas being targeted, why are only Muslim families being evicted?’ they said. ‘They simply want to get rid of us.’
NIGERIA: 24-year sentence reduced
An appeal court in Kano State has significantly reduced the 24-year sentence of Mubarak Bala, the president of the Nigerian Humanist Association. On 13 May judges unanimously found that his original sentence was excessive and reduced it to five years, meaning he now has one year left to serve.
Mr Bala has been unjustly detained since 28 April 2020 after being accused of insulting Islam in Facebook posts. He was held incommunicado for the first 162 days, and spent 462 days in prison before being formally charged. We continue to call for his immediate release, and for the repeal of Nigeria’s blasphemy law.
Drawing by one of the displaced children.
Christians initially sheltering in Hidalgo.
Mubarak Bala
You can do it!
■ Could you run for freedom and justice? This September, we’re gathering a team to run The Big Half in London on behalf of CSW. Our CEO Scot Bower has a word of encouragement to all potential fundraising heroes, as well those who pray, sponsor, and cheer them on.
‘You can do it! With just a bit of training you could definitely run a half marathon,’ I say, enthusiastically. At this point in the conversation, my wife usually inserts herself with great kindness and gives my target a means of escape. ‘Not everyone,’ she tells me ‘enjoys running as much as you do!’
It’s true, I have learned to love long distance running. It’s also true that I believe that most reasonably healthy people can run a half marathon given enough training. The biggest caveat (of many) is that you have to be willing to put time aside for training. (For full disclosure, I have run long races with no training – but they haven’t been pleasant or pretty!) And of course, if you can’t run, there are many ways in which you can show your support for CSW and I am incredibly grateful to all of you for all you do!
For those of you who are still with me and need a little more convincing before you sign up, let me tell you why I run for CSW. (And please remember, I run badly. My technique is awful, and I have failed to finish my last two races!) I share my experience not as an elite athlete, but as a middle of the pack, persistent plodder.
‘Running helps me pray.’
Firstly,
long runs give me a chance to pray and connect with Father God. As I run, I put aside the noise and
distraction of my day. The rhythm of my feet on pavement, or even better the sound of running through nature, calms my soul. My laboured breathing becomes my honest prayer. Running helps me pray.
Secondly, when I’m running for CSW I make sure I know why I’m running. I connect with the people who will benefit from the money I raise. Sometimes I’ll take their photo with me, or deliberately recall their story at specific moments in the race (for example, as I pass a particular landmark or mile marker). Later, as I cross the finish line, I remember these brave men and women, my heroes, and I give thanks as I pray for them.
Finally, I run because it really is fun! Running a race like The Big Half through one of the greatest cities in the world, crowds cheering you on as you represent an amazing charity, is a special experience that will stay with you for a long time. You’ll be running with a supportive team and our own CSW cheer squad will be out on the streets of London to help you get round.
‘As I cross the finish line, I remember these brave men and women…’
csw.org.uk/fundraise
If you can’t commit to run this year, our running team would be very grateful for your sponsorship! And if you’d like to discuss any other opportunities for sponsored events whether its book reading, swimming, calligraphy or canoeing we would love to hear from you.
Whatever challenge you choose to take on, and whatever your reason, always remember: you can do it!
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Your generous financial support enables CSW to advocate for people like Rev Samson, working consistently on cases until there is a breakthrough. There is still so much to be done for others being targeted for their beliefs.
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Reverend Samson, April 2024. Photo: KBC Kachin.