American Pastor Released After Nearly 20 Years in Chinese Prison

David Lin, detained in 2006 for assisting an underground church, returns to the U.S. amid calls for the release of other Americans held in China.

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.