Katherine Swidan and Harrison Li unveiled their message to President Biden during FOX & Friends First ahead of his meeting with Xi Jinping in San Francisco. The mother of an American imprisoned in China for over 10 years and facing execution is calling on President Biden to take action during his upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi to secure her son’s release for a crime she and many others say he did not commit.
In an emotional plea, Katherine Swidan, the 73-year-old mother of Mark Swidan, expressed her desperation and urged President Biden to use his influence to secure her son’s release. Mark Swidan was arrested in China in 2012 on drug charges, but a United Nations report has determined that the charges were baseless. Despite this, he has been detained for over a decade and his health has deteriorated significantly.
Swidan’s mother highlighted the lack of progress made by the Biden administration in securing her son’s release. She expressed her lack of confidence in the State Department’s ability to effectively advocate for Mark’s freedom, citing their inability to provide concrete answers on the status of his case. Swidan also criticized the administration’s approach towards China, stating that the country only understands strength.
The State Department has acknowledged Swidan’s wrongful detention and expressed personal focus on securing his release. However, Swidan’s mother revealed that he has not received a medical examination in nine years and is suffering from numerous health issues as a result of torture and poor living conditions in prison. She also expressed frustration with Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s focus on other matters while her son remains imprisoned.
Several Republican lawmakers, including Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, have spoken out in support of Swidan’s release. They have called on the Biden administration to prioritize his case and use all available diplomatic means to secure his freedom. Texas GOP Representative Michael McCaul has also voiced his support for Swidan, urging the White House to demand his release during Xi Jinping’s visit to the United States.
Swidan’s mother fears for her son’s life and worries that his deteriorating condition and inhumane living conditions may lead him to take his own life before his release can be secured. She vows to continue fighting for justice and holds those responsible accountable.
President Biden is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in San Francisco, California, where they are expected to discuss the relationship between the United States and China. Swidan’s case is expected to be raised during the meeting, as the State Department continually raises the issue of Americans detained overseas during discussions with Chinese officials.
The White House has yet to respond to requests for comment on Swidan’s case. However, Swidan’s mother hopes that her plea and the growing support from lawmakers will compel the Biden administration to prioritize her son’s release. She remains determined to seek justice for her son, regardless of the outcome.
Overall, the article highlights the heartbreaking story of an American citizen unjustly imprisoned in China and his mother’s desperate plea for President Biden to intervene. It sheds light on the lack of progress made by the Biden administration and the need for stronger action to secure Swidan’s release.
