Harrison Li, whose father Kai Li has been wrongfully detained in China since 2016, expressed a mix of emotions after witnessing the return of Americans wrongfully imprisoned in Russia. President Joe Biden and the families of those released celebrated the return of three Americans and a permanent resident as part of a significant prisoner exchange.
Kai Li is one of at least three Americans wrongfully detained in China, along with Texas businessman Mark Swidan and California pastor David Lin. The U.S. State Department does not disclose the exact number of wrongful detention cases due to privacy concerns and the sensitivity of efforts to secure the release of wrongfully detained U.S. nationals.
For the past eight years, Harrison Li has been advocating for his father’s release, urging two consecutive U.S. administrations to take action. Despite the recent return of Americans from Russia, Li expressed frustration over the lack of attention given to his father’s case by the U.S. administration.
Several members of Congress, including Congressman Michael McCaul, are also calling on the Biden administration to secure the release of Americans wrongfully detained in China. Mark Swidan’s mother, Katherine Swidan, revealed that her son has been on a hunger strike for 115 days and is experiencing health issues while detained in China.
Peter Humphrey, a former British reporter in China who was wrongfully detained and later released, believes the United States should refocus its attention on Americans improperly detained in China and elsewhere. He emphasizes the need for the American government to protect its citizens who become victims of unjust legal processes in China.
The U.S. State Department has reiterated its commitment to advocating for the immediate and unconditional release of wrongfully detained U.S. citizens in meetings with Chinese officials. The travel advisory for mainland China remains at Level 3, warning U.S. citizens about arbitrary enforcement of local laws, exit bans, and the risk of wrongful detentions.
Nelson and Cynthia Wells, whose son Nelson Wells Jr. was sentenced to life imprisonment in China, have written letters to three consecutive U.S. presidents seeking help but have not received a response. Their case has drawn the attention of U.S. Senators advocating for Nelson Wells Jr. to be recognized as wrongfully detained.
As families continue to appeal for urgent action to secure the release of their loved ones, the focus remains on the plight of Americans wrongfully detained in China and the need for the U.S. government to prioritize their safe return home.