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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Pastor David Lin was released after 18 years of wrongful detention in China yesterday, a U.S. Department of State spokesperson and his family have confirmed. The Foley Foundation celebrates his freedom and that he has now been reunited with his family in the United States.
Pastor Lin was imprisoned on false charges of contract fraud. He was steadfast in maintaining his innocence throughout his lengthy and unjust imprisonment. The U.S. government declared Lin as wrongfully detained and had been engaging with Chinese Communist Party leaders to obtain his release. Americans Mark Swidan and Kai Li, who are still being held captive, have similarly been declared as wrongfully detained by China.
Foley Foundation President and Founder, Diane Foley said today of Lin’s release, “We thank the Biden administration for its work to secure Pastor Lin’s release. It is extraordinarily wonderful news! May the release of Mark Swidan and Kai Li follow soon.”
Lin’s release from China is an encouraging sign, Foley said. The last releases of Americans unlawfully detained in China occurred in September and October of 2021. As of today, China continues to wrongfully detain more Americans than any other country. Through our research, we assess that China holds at least 11 other Americans captive in prison or is blocking them from leaving the country using exit bans. These Americans have been held, on average, over eight years. Securing the release of Americans from China has been a long-standing challenge that requires focused, sustained attention and creative problem solving to address. The Foley Foundation hopes that Pastor Lin’s release, and the means used to secure it, can serve as a model for further dialogue and negotiation that will reunite all Americans wrongfully detained in China with their families, Foley said.
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