US Pastor David Lin Detained for Nearly 20 Years In China Released

The U.S. State Department announced on Sunday that American pastor David Lin, who had been detained in China since 2006 on what the U.S. has deemed spurious charges, has been released and has returned to the United States.

Lin’s release marks the end of nearly two decades of imprisonment in China. His daughter, Alice Lin, confirmed that her 68-year-old father would be arriving in San Antonio, Texas, on Sunday.

Lin was jailed for life on charges of contract fraud, which the U.S. government has debunked, consistently maintaining that Lin was wrongfully detained and has advocated for his release.

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In recent years, various U.S. officials, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, have pushed for his freedom during visits to China.

Lin’s case is one of several involving U.S. citizens detained in China. Other notable cases include Kai Li, a businessman accused of spying in 2016.

The U.S. government has criticized China’s treatment of these detainees and has urged Beijing to release them.

The release of David Lin comes ahead of a congressional hearing scheduled for later this week to discuss the issue of U.S. citizens imprisoned in China.