Family members said that a woman from Yishin village in Arakan State’s Myebon Township died of her injuries last week after being beaten by a shaman who claimed that she was possessed.

The woman has been identified as 24-year-old Ma Khin Myo Than. She reportedly went to see the shaman in Myaingthayar village, Myebon Township, earlier this month as she was suffering from back pain.

A family member told DMG that she appeared to have been cured on the first day, but the illness returned. The woman died after being beaten by the shaman, who is said to have attempted to justify his violent conduct by claiming that she was possessed by a spirit.

“She went to see a shaman, saying that her disease was related to cold bones and joints due to spinal cord surgery. The shaman told her that she had a herniated disc, and after the first day of pressing it, it felt better,” the family member said. “She was [later] said to be possessed by a spirit, and the shaman beat her, causing many injuries, and then she died.”

The relative added that Ma Khin Myo Than suffered injuries to her face and head, as well as her eyes.

“Due to the shaman’s beating, she received the most injuries on her face. The shaman also pierced her head with spikes, all of which left holes,” the family member said.

Ma Khin Myo Than was taken to Sittwe to receive medical treatment for her injuries and died on August 12.

“She was admitted to Aye Nyein private hospital, where she spent six days. The doctor instructed us to transfer the patient to the public hospital because it would cost a lot of money at the private hospital. We transferred her to Sittwe General Hospital at around 10 a.m. on August 12, and at 5:00 p.m, she was no longer alive,” the family member explained.

The Arakan People’s Authority, which is the governing body of the Arakan Army (AA), detained the shaman following the death of Ma Khin Myo Than.