On Sunday, China released U.S. pastor David Lin, who had been imprisoned since 2006 in what the State Department has labeled as a wrongful detainment. Lin, now 68 years old, was arrested in 2009 on charges of 'contract fraud' and sentenced to life in prison for allegedly supporting a non-government sanctioned house church. However, his sentence was later reduced, and he was scheduled for release in April 2030.
Lin, a missionary who had been traveling to China since the 1990s, had applied for a license to establish a Christian ministry, but his request was reportedly denied by the Chinese government. House churches, which operate independently of state-sponsored religious organizations, have faced government crackdowns but continue to gain popularity across China.
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) expressed concerns about Lin's safety and health in prison, suspecting that he was targeted due to his faith. The USCIRF highlighted the challenges faced by participants in the house church movement, including intimidation, harassment, arrest, and severe sentences.
The State Department welcomed Lin's release, stating that he has returned to the United States and reunited with his family after nearly two decades. The Biden administration had been working to secure Lin's release for years, with efforts intensifying, including discussions between Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in July.
While celebrating Lin's freedom, calls persist for the release of other Americans wrongfully detained in China, such as businessman Kai Li and individuals like Mark Swidan, Nelson Wells Jr., and Dawn Michelle Hunt, who are facing imprisonment on various charges.
The release of Pastor David Lin marks a significant development in U.S.-China relations and highlights ongoing efforts to address human rights concerns and advocate for the rights of individuals unjustly detained abroad.
