U.S. Pastor David Lin Released from Chinese Prison After Nearly Two Decades, Efforts Continue for Other Americans

On Monday, the U.S. State Department announced the release of David Lin, a 68-year-old American pastor, after nearly two decades of imprisonment in China. U.S. officials welcomed Lin’s release but emphasized that more work remains to secure the freedom of other Americans held in China.

“We are glad to see David Lin released, but we’ll continue to push for the release of other Americans,” said State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller during a press briefing.

Lin was detained in 2006 and convicted of contract fraud in 2009, receiving a life sentence. Despite a reduction in his sentence, Lin’s release was originally set for 2029. His imprisonment has been described as part of China’s broader crackdown on religious practices, with Bob Fu, founder of ChinaAid, calling the charges a “scam.”

Over 200 American nationals are currently under coercive measures in China, with Kai Li and Mark Swidan listed as priority cases by the U.S. State Department. The release of Lin marks a significant step, but U.S. officials vow to keep pushing for the freedom of others.

A congressional hearing on Americans imprisoned in China is scheduled for later this week.