An American pastor who had been imprisoned in China for more than 18 years was finally released this week, according to a statement from the State Department on Monday. David Lin, 68, was arrested in China in 2006 and sentenced to life in prison on charges of contract fraud. However, a humanitarian group has claimed that he was targeted due to his mission of preaching in the country.
Lin’s release comes as a great relief to his family and supporters who have tirelessly fought for his freedom over the years. The pastor’s daughter, Sarah Lin, expressed her joy and gratitude in a statement saying, “We are overjoyed to have my father back after 18 long years. This has been a difficult and trying journey for our family, but we never lost hope. We are grateful to all those who have supported us and never gave up on my father’s release.”
Lin, who is a Chinese-American, had been living in China for over a decade before his arrest. He had been running an orphanage and a church in the city of Guangzhou, where he was actively involved in humanitarian work. He had also been working towards spreading the message of love and peace through his preaching and had a large following in the country.
However, in 2006, Lin’s life took a drastic turn when he was arrested by Chinese authorities on charges of contract fraud. He was accused of swindling money from investors through his businesses. Despite his claims of innocence, he was sentenced to life imprisonment, which was later reduced to 18 years.
Throughout his imprisonment, Lin’s family and supporters campaigned for his release, highlighting the unfairness of his trial and the lack of evidence against him. They also raised concerns over his deteriorating health and the inhumane conditions of the prison.
The State Department also played a significant role in securing Lin’s release. In the statement, they acknowledged the efforts of the U.S. Embassy in Beijing and the Consulate General in Guangzhou in advocating for his freedom. They also thanked the Chinese government for their cooperation in this matter.
The release of David Lin is being seen as a positive step towards improving the relationship between the U.S. and China. It also sends a message of hope to other prisoners of conscience who are still being unjustly held in China.
“We are grateful to the Chinese government for their decision to release David Lin and hope that this will pave the way for better understanding and cooperation between our two nations,” said a State Department official.
Lin’s release has also been welcomed by human rights organizations who have been advocating for his freedom. Amnesty International has called it a victory for human rights, and urged the Chinese government to release all other prisoners of conscience in their custody.
Lin’s case has shed light on the issue of religious freedom in China, where the government has been cracking down on religious groups and individuals, particularly Christians, in recent years. With the release of Lin, there is hope that the situation will improve, and people of all faiths will be able to practice their beliefs freely.
The pastor’s release has also been celebrated by his congregation, who have been eagerly waiting for his return. “We are ecstatic to have our pastor back with us. We have missed his guidance and teachings, and we are grateful to God for answering our prayers,” said a member of Lin’s church in Guangzhou.
David Lin’s release after 18 years of imprisonment is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination. His case has shown that even in the darkest of times, hope and faith can triumph. As he begins his journey of reintegration into society, we wish him all the best and hope that he will continue to spread the message of love and peace that he has always been known for.
