-Pastor David Lin Freed From Prison After 18 Years In Chinese Detention
David Lin, an American pastor who has been in China prison since 2006, has finally been freed, according to the U.S. State Department. The department reported on Sunday that Lin is now back in the United States and will reunite with his family for the first time in nearly 20 years.
A State Department spokesperson stated, “We welcome David Lin’s release from prison in the People’s Republic of China,” highlighting the significance of his return.
The clergyman was sentenced to life in prison on charges of contract fraud, which U.S. officials have called spurious and wrongful. In addition to Lin, other American citizens, such as businessman Kai Li, have also been detained in China on various charges.
Lin’s daughter, Alice Lin, shared with Politico that her 68-year-old father would arrive in San Antonio, Texas, on Sunday, marking a long-awaited reunion for the family.
The release of David Lin comes after years of advocacy from U.S. officials who have pushed for his freedom and the release of others imprisoned in China. California Governor Gavin Newsom advocated for Lin during a visit to China, where he spoke with President Xi Jinping and Foreign Minister Wang Yi last October. This release arrives just before a congressional hearing later this week on the treatment of U.S. citizens detained in China, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding human rights and diplomatic relations.
