Pastor’s release raises hopes for other Americans held in China
After the release of Pastor David Lin, U.S. families with loved ones imprisoned in China are drawing attention to them and trying to pressure the government.
BEIJING — Chronic pain. Mental anguish. Despair.
The families of four Americans detained in China say their loved ones are suffering both physically and mentally, and they are urging the U.S. government to do more to bring them home.
Their appearance before the Congressional-Executive Commission of China on Sept. 18 came days after the surprise release of American pastor David Lin, who was held in a Chinese jail for almost 20 years.
The Dui Hua Foundation, which monitors prisoner rights in China, estimates there are about 200 Americans detained here, more than in any other foreign country. Two of them — Mark Swidan and Kai Li — are considered “wrongfully detained” by the State Department, as was Lin.
The estimate includes Americans who are imprisoned as well as those who are prevented from leaving China while a case is under investigation. The use of such “exit bans” has prompted the State Department to advise Americans to “reconsider travel” to China — its second strongest warning category.
Rating: 5