Family of Bossier man detained in China celebrates release of others, calls for their son to be freed

BOSSIER CITY, La. (KSLA) - The family of an ArkLaTex man who has been imprisoned in China for a number of years is calling for a renewed push to have their son freed following the release of three Americans who were detained in the country.

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The family of Nelson Wells is celebrating the release of Mark Swidan, Kai Li, and John Leung, who had all been wrongfully detained in China for years. They say this development renews their hope that their son will be brought home.

“Today’s releases are a reminder of what is possible with sustained advocacy and diplomacy,” said Nelson Wells Sr., father of Nelson Wells Jr. “We are overjoyed for the families of Mark, Kai, and John, but our fight is far from over. Nelson has spent a decade suffering in prison, and we will not rest until he is home with us in Louisiana. Diplomacy can and must be used to bring him and every other American wrongfully detained abroad back to their families.”

While celebrating these releases, the Wells family is also questioning the process that determines which prisoners receive priority when it comes to these diplomatic efforts. The family calls the current process “deeply inequitable and subjective.”

“Priority is too often given to those with wealth, fame, or connections, while those without such resources—frequently from marginalized communities—are left behind,” he said. “This approach disproportionately impacts people like Nelson and Dawn Hunt, both Black Americans, who face discrimination abroad and lack the systemic power to advocate effectively for themselves. When systems are designed this way, it’s no coincidence that the most vulnerable Americans are the least likely to be prioritized. The State Department must rethink this process and treat every wrongful detention with equal urgency. Every American, regardless of their background or influence, deserves the full support of their government—anything less is a failure to uphold basic human rights.”

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Bossier City family details son’s horrifying experience being imprisoned in China for nearly a decade

In December of 2023, the Wells family talked with KSLA about their efforts to have their son moved to a prison in the U.S. The family says they’ve been in contact with a number of lawmakers, including Speaker of the House Mike Johnson.

KSLA INVESTIGATES: Bossier City man imprisoned in China

Nelson Wells Jr. was arrested in China back in 2014. The Chinese government claims Nelson was found to be in possession of a large amount of drugs, however, the family says the government never produced any evidence. They say no defense witnesses were allowed.

Over the past 10 years, Nelson’s health has declined significantly, his family says. This is due to the harsh conditions in the prison, they say.

“Every single one of these cases represents a failure of justice,” said Wells Sr. “None of these Americans, including our son, Nelson, has ever had a fair, impartial, and transparent trial. These detentions are arbitrary and unjust, and we need sustained diplomatic action to ensure that all of them are freed. Nelson’s health and well-being are deteriorating with each passing day. Pastor David Lin’s release earlier this year gave us hope, and today’s news gives us even more. But we must act urgently to ensure that Nelson and every other wrongfully detained American are brought home.”

The family says recently, Senator Bill Cassidy’s engagement with Chinese officials has led to some key discussions, including a review of Nelson’s prison records by the Chinese Foreign Ministry. While these are positive signs though, the family says misleading claims about Nelson’s behavior in prison have been used to hold up his release. The family strongly disputes these claims based on multiple accounts from people who know Nelson.

Ultimately, the Wells family is calling on President Joe Biden to honor his recent remarks about prioritizing the release of American citizens wrongfully imprisoned in China before the end of his presidency. They’re calling on the federal government to publicly name Nelson and demand his release.