Washington, D.C.—Today, Congressman Michael Cloud (TX-27) issued the following statement regarding China’s decision to uphold the death penalty with a two-year suspended death sentence for U.S. citizen and Texas resident Mark Swidan: 

“This decision by the People’s Republic of China is egregious and should be roundly condemned. Mark Swidan has been wrongfully detained for 10 years subjecting him and his family to outrageous human rights abuses. It has to end.

Bringing Mark home to his family should be a top priority for this Administration. I have called on the Administration to use all tools at their disposal to secure his release and will continue to push for legislative action in Congress. It is my hope that in light of this decision, the State Department will take swift steps to expedite Mark’s case and secure his immediate release.” 

Congressman Michael Cloud introduced a resolution in February demanding China to immediately release Mark Swidan.

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