Texans Demand Blinken Push For Release Of Houston Man Imprisoned In China

Texas legislators are increasing pressure on the Biden government to free a Houston businessman held in China.

Senator Ted Cruz (Republican from Texas) gave a passionate speech on the Senate Floor. A resolution was introduced Supported by other Texas legislators on Wednesday, urging the Chinese Communist Party release Mark Swidan “immediately” After more than a decade captivity.

🚨”Madam President, I rise today to speak about a gross miscarriage of Justice, the imprisonment of #FreeMarkSwidan.” – Sen. @tedcruz @SenTedCruz is a gifted lawyer, and today, Mark’s mom got to hear a first class defense of her son.pic.twitter.com/TQTYCV28h1

— Jonathan Franks (@jonfranks) February 2, 2023

This resolution comes before a trip Secretary Antony Blinken is due to make to China this weekend.

“Mark Swidan’s captivity must come to an end for himself, for his family, and for the United States,” Cruz stated this in a statement. “Secretary Blinken’s upcoming trip to Beijing should be the final chapter in this tragedy.”

Swidan, now in his 40s and on a business trip, was detained by Chinese authorities in 2012. According to reports, he was convicted of participating in a criminal drug conspiracy in 2019. He was also sentenced to death. KVUE, Austin ABC affiliate.

The U.S. government views Swidan’s detention as wrongful. His mother hopes that Blinken will be released, given recent prisoner swaps. Push for her release.

“My message for Blinken is: say their names,” Reuters spoke with Katherine SwidanThis was in reference to other families asking the secretary of State to press Beijing to free their loved ones. “They’re American citizens. They’ve been wrongfully detained. Enough is enough.”

The State Department designated three Americans held in China — Swidan, along with Kai Li and pastor David Lin — as “wrongful detainees,” POLITICO published last year’s figures.

Cruz’s resolution, which is co-sponsored by Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Rep. Michael Cloud (R-TX), warns Swidan’s health has deteriorated amid “inhumane” Conditions and lack of proper medical care. The resolution also notes a United Nations working group found Swidan as being held in violation of customary international law.

“I am calling on the Biden administration to use all the tools at our disposal to secure his release, and on the government of China to finally release him and return him home,” Cruz stated in his statement.