Three pastors from Kachin state, Myanmar, have been arrested for organising prayers for peace. The chairman of the Rawang Literature and Culture Committee (RLCC) brought a lawsuit against them for conducting an inter-denominational prayer service in Naungmoon township of Putao district on 3 March.
Pastor Koshan Singsar, Pastor Z Kaw Htinah and Pastor M Hawng Di were arrested on 28 June. Under the penal code they face a possible three years’ imprisonment on charges of incitement to cause fear, spreading false news and agitating for criminal offences against government employees.
Since the military coup in February, Christians have led prayers for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Myanmar
The RLCC chairman, Marip Yaw Shu, is a member of both the military regime’s administrative body in Putao and the military-linked Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP). He acquired approval from the Putao military authorities to charge the three Christian leaders on 14 June.
The pastors were detained in Naungmoon township ahead of a court hearing scheduled for 12 July. The Kachin Baptist Convention (KBC) has called for prayers for the immediate release of the pastors.
Serious concerns have been raised about the pastors’ health. Pastor Hawng Di, in his 70s, has high blood pressure and suffers from stomach problems. A Putao resident expressed the fear that his condition might deteriorate, “It is difficult for him to move. As he is in prison, his stomach problems might get worse because of the prison food.” Another pastor is recovering from a stroke.
