Three American citizens who have been detained in China have been released. The released individuals are Mark Swidan, Kai Li, and John Leung. Li, a 70-year-old from Long Island, New York, was detained in 2016 and sentenced to 10 years in 2018 on espionage charges that his family believes are baseless. Swidan, a Texas businessman, had been detained since 2012 and was sentenced to death with a reprieve in 2019 on drug-related charges. Leung, who has permanent residency in Hong Kong, was sentenced to life in prison in 2021 for espionage.
Their release has been confirmed by the State Department spokesperson, with plans for the Americans to return home to be reunited with their families. This follows the surprise release of American pastor David Lin in September, who had been wrongfully detained since 2006.
The families of the released individuals have expressed gratitude for their impending return, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer stating that he had worked tirelessly for Li’s release. The families had faced frustration due to the slow progress in securing the release of their loved ones, despite efforts by the Biden administration in discussions with Chinese counterparts.
The issue of Americans detained in China has been a point of concern, with the Dui Hua Foundation estimating around 200 American detainees. The families of those still detained continue to advocate for their release while facing uncertainty about the circumstances surrounding their loved ones’ detention.
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