Three American citizens who had been detained in China were recently released after being held for years on charges that their families and the United Nations deemed baseless. The released individuals were Mark Swidan, a Texas businessman, Kai Li, a New York resident, and John Leung, an American with permanent residency in Hong Kong.
Kai Li, 70, was sentenced to 10 years on espionage charges in 2018, while Swidan was sentenced to death with a reprieve in 2019 on drug-related charges that were deemed unfounded by a UN working group. Leung, in his 70s, had been sentenced to life in prison in 2021 for espionage charges.
The State Department has confirmed their release, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed relief over their return, particularly in the case of Kai Li, for whom he had advocated closely with family members. The families of the three men are eagerly anticipating their safe return and reunion after years of separation.
The release of these individuals follows the surprise release of American pastor David Lin, also wrongfully detained in China. The U.S. has classified more than 200 American detainees in China, with only a handful considered wrongfully detained. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has stated that all cases are handled according to the law, and did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the recent releases.
The families and advocates of the released Americans are expressing gratitude and relief on their return, and the situation continues to develop. NBC News reporters Abigail Williams, Minyvonne Burke, and Jennifer Jett have been covering the story.
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