3 weeks ago
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(NewsNation) — Three Americans held successful China were released this week arsenic portion of a captive swap, conscionable successful clip for the holidays.
Mark Swidan, Kai Li and John Leung landed connected a subject basal Wednesday nighttime successful San Antonio, Texas. All of them had been designated by the U.S. authorities arsenic wrongfully detained by China. Officials and humanitarian assistance groups said the 3 Americans were arrested connected arbitrary and unlawful charges.
Swidan was arrested connected cause charges portion connected a concern travel successful Beijing successful 2012. He had been sentenced to death. Kai Li and Leung were some imprisoned for espionage charges.
U.S. President Joe Biden told reporters Thursday greeting that helium spoke to each of the released Americans.
"I'm truly blessed they're home," Biden said during a halt successful Nantucket, Massachusetts.
Mark Swidan's ma posted a representation of her lad with the U.S. Ambassador to China, Nicholas Burns, and Roger Carstens, the peculiar statesmanlike envoy for hostage affairs, on X, and thanked them both.
"So grateful!" she wrote. "My son, American Mark Swidan came disconnected the level to maine past nighttime aft 12 years wrongfully detained successful China."
Harrison Li, Kai Li's son, said helium was thrilled that his begetter was connected his mode location on with Swidan and Leung.
"Thank you, @POTUS, and everyone that made this time imaginable astatine agelong last," Harrison Li wrote. "Please support bringing them home."
China's overseas ministry said the U.S. returned 4 people, including astatine slightest 3 Chinese citizens held for "political purposes."
Mel Gibson, an histrion who has an been an advocate for Swidan’s release, posted a video thanking a fig of people, including NewsNation anchor Elizabeth Vargas for continuing to shed airy connected the issue.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
