Houstonian Mark Swidan is finally free after spending over a decade in a Chinese prison. Swidan, along with two other Americans, was released as part of a U.S.-China prisoner exchange announced by the State Department on Wednesday.
Mark Swidan, a man from Houston who endured more than 11 years in a Chinese prison, is returning home after a prisoner exchange between the U.S. and China. On Wednesday, the State Department announced the release of Swidan, along with Americans Kai Li and John Leung, who were flown to Joint Base San Antonio for medical evaluations.
“All the wrongfully detained Americans in the PRC have returned home,” stated the State Department.
Katherine Swidan, Swidan’s mother, took to social media to express her relief, posting a photo of her son, who appears thinner and has greyer hair, yet is smiling. “My son is finally free,” she wrote.
Mark Swidan was arrested in 2012 during a business trip to China, facing allegations of participation in a drug conspiracy. He received a conviction and a death sentence despite the charges being broadly criticized as unfounded. Throughout the years, his family worked diligently for his liberation, highlighting his declining health and inadequate living conditions.
Texas lawmakers expressed their joy over the release. Senator Ted Cruz acknowledged the contributions of President Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. At the same time, Houston Congressman Al Green referred to it as a “Thanksgiving blessing,” commending the diplomats' dedication.
The U.S. consented to return three Chinese nationals convicted of espionage in exchange for Swidan and the other two Americans.
Swidan’s family has asked for privacy while also expressing gratitude for his return just in time for Thanksgiving. “The family is thankful for this chance to come together,” stated their attorney.
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