Additional Coverage:
Chinese-American Pastor Freed After 20 Years
Chinese-American pastor David Lin, 68, has been released from prison in China after serving nearly two decades. He had been detained in 2006 for attempting to establish a Christian training center.
Beijing’s Stance
China’s Communist Party views underground Christian churches as a threat and routinely suppresses them. Lin’s conviction for fraud is often used against leaders of such churches.
US Involvement
The US State Department maintained that Lin was wrongfully detained and had been working for his release. His daughter, Alice, played a significant role in advocating for her father’s freedom.
Other Detained Americans
Despite Lin’s release, over 200 US nationals remain detained in China. Family members of three detained Americans will testify before a Congressional-Executive Commission on China hearing on Wednesday.
Medical Concerns
Several detained Americans are facing serious medical issues, including Kai Li (who has had a stroke) and Nelson Wells. Mark Swidan, a Texas businessman on death row for alleged drug trafficking, is also ill.
Medical Parole
In China, medical parole does not require court approval. Advocates hope that the prison authorities will release detained Americans on humanitarian grounds.