Overview

• David Lin, a 68-year-old pastor from California, was imprisoned in China on charges of contract fraud, which he denied.
• Lin was detained in 2006 while aiding an underground church and was formally arrested in 2009, receiving a life sentence.
• Advocacy groups and the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom believe the charges were politically motivated.
• Lin's release comes after U.S. diplomatic efforts, including recent meetings between high-level U.S. and Chinese officials.
• U.S. lawmakers are urging China to release other Americans, such as Kai Li and Mark Swidan, who are also considered wrongfully detained.