Unbelievable Ordeal – Freed at Last!

hands in hand-cuffs

U.S. Pastor David Lin has finally returned home after being held in a Chinese prison for nearly two decades.

At a Glance

  • China has released David Lin, a U.S. pastor jailed since 2006.
  • Lin was jailed for life on charges of contract fraud.
  • The U.S. State Department announced Lin’s release, stating he was wrongfully detained.
  • Lin has returned to the United States and reunited with his family after nearly 20 years.
  • Lin’s daughter, Alice, expressed immense joy over his return.

Pastor David Lin’s Release from China

The U.S. State Department revealed on Sunday that David Lin, a U.S. pastor held in China since 2006, has been freed. Lin was jailed for life on charges of contract fraud, a claim Washington consistently viewed as unjust. For nearly two decades, U.S. politicians urged Beijing for his release, marking a significant diplomatic breakthrough.

This release came after persistent efforts by U.S. officials, including the Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman, who urged President Biden to discuss Lin’s case directly with Chinese President Xi Jinping. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan’s recent visit to Beijing significantly contributed to this diplomatic success, highlighting the high-level engagement required to secure Lin’s freedom.

Lin’s Background and Arrest

In 2006, Lin was detained while attempting to establish a Christian training center in Beijing, a move that Chinese authorities deemed illegal. His arrest and subsequent life sentence for contract fraud drew criticism from human rights groups and the U.S. government, which asserted that Lin, along with two other American detainees, Kai Li and Mark Swidan, were wrongfully detained.

“We welcome David Lin’s release from prison in the People’s Republic of China. He has returned to the United States and now gets to see his family for the first time in nearly 20 years,” – State Department spokesperson

This case shines a spotlight on China’s broader issues concerning religious freedom and the treatment of foreigners. The Chinese constitution guarantees freedom of religion, but practices and policies under President Xi Jinping’s administration have drawn severe criticism, with rights groups ranking China among the worst violators of religious freedom globally.

Lin’s Return to the United States

Upon his return to the United States, Lin has been reunited with his family, experiencing a mix of joy and relief. Alice Lin, David’s daughter, expressed her immense happiness, noting the significant family moments he missed, including her wedding and the birth of his grandson.

“No words can express the joy we have — we have a lot of time to make up for,” – Alice Lin

Lin’s release also comes at a time when over 200 other U.S. citizens are still detained in China. Many advocates hope that Lin’s release will pave the way for further diplomatic efforts to free other Americans unjustly held abroad. A congressional commission is scheduled to hold a hearing on this issue, focusing on the health concerns of detainees like Kai Li and Mark Swidan.

Pastor David Lin’s release marks not only a personal victory but also a significant diplomatic achievement, signaling hope for other Americans detained in China. The efforts by U.S. officials and human rights advocates have shown that relentless advocacy and high-level diplomacy can yield results, even in the face of severe international challenges.

“I am extremely glad to hear David Lin was freed,” – Rep Michael McCaul (R-Tex)

Looking ahead, the focus shifts to ensuring the health and safety of other detainees and continuing to push for their rightful release. Lin’s story is a testament to the power of international solidarity and the enduring strength of familial bonds in the face of adversity.

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