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The Foley Flame: Illuminating Updates
September 2024
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Mark Swidan, Wrongfully Detained in China
Nearly 12 Years
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Mark Swidan, an American businessman from Houston, Texas, has been wrongfully detained in China since 2012, accused of drug-related offenses without evidence. He was sentenced to death in 2019. The U.S. government, the United Nations, and multiple NGOs, including the Foley Foundation, have called for his release.
More needs to be done urgently to secure his freedom.
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Three American captives released from Russia on Aug 1 pictured with government officials on their flight to the United States: Evan Gershkovich (bottom-left), Paul Whelan (second from right), and Alsu Kurmasheva (bottom-right) | |
A Historic Prisoner Exchange | |
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On August 1, a prisoner exchange involving Russia, the United States, Germany, Turkey, Slovenia, Norway, Poland, and other countries, resulted in the release of Americans Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva, and Vladimir Kara-Murza (a U.S. legal permanent resident). They had been wrongfully detained in Russia for up to five years.
The Foley Foundation supported their families by advocating for their release.
Evan’s and Alsu’s employers, the Wall Street Journal and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, dedicated substantial resources to secure their safe return.
Paul’s family was steadfast in their advocacy for him. In the rollout of the Foley Foundation’s 2023 annual research report, Paul’s sister, Elizabeth Whelan, passionately argued that the government needed to do more to get Paul home.
Although not in direct contact with the family of political prisoner Vladimir Kara-Murza, the Foundation supported the efforts of the McCain Institute aimed at his release. The U.S. Government was instrumental in obtaining the release of this British citizen and U.S. legal permanent resident.
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We spotlighted Alsu Kurmasheva’s wrongful detention in the last Flame issue.
Today, we celebrate her freedom
(pictured here with her husband and tireless advocate Pavel Butorin).
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We are encouraged by the breadth of diplomacy that made this deal possible.
We believe that international collaboration helps free Americans. Countries that respect international norms must stand in solidarity against rouge nations that pursue hostage diplomacy to achieve their objectives.
To exercise additional pressure on nations that the U.S. has already heavily sanctioned, our country must rely on the additive pressure that may be exerted by our allies. In exchange, we must assist them when their citizens are taken.
To serve as an effective deterrent, these alliances must develop and collectively enforce strong consequences for hostage-taking. Swift, coordinated, and targeted repercussions may change the calculus of would-be captors by raising the cost of hostage-taking and diminishing its perceived benefits.
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Our Returnees Need Our Help | |
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With the return of over 70 American captives since the start of 2021, we must address the needs of a growing number of returnees.
At the end of 2023, Congress passed legislation to support the physical and mental health needs of former captives and their family members but did not address the financial repercussions of wrongful detention. From our engagement with hostage families and our relationship with sister NGOs like Hostage US, we know that returnees can face substantial financial challenges as they reintegrate into society.
Many former captives are assessed penalties by the IRS for taxes that could not possibly be paid while imprisoned. Their credit scores are ruined because bills went unpaid, and their future Social Security benefits are reduced by a lack of income during their years in captivity.
Furthermore, returnees’ families often expend substantial resources in advocating for their loved ones while also experiencing a loss of income from one less paycheck.
The Foley Foundation supports legislation and policy changes that would help address these difficulties
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BREAKING NEWS
Pastor David Lin Released by China
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On September 15, Pastor David Lin was released after 18 years of wrongful detention in China. The Foley Foundation celebrates his freedom and reunion with his family.
Pastor Lin was imprisoned on false charges of contract fraud. He was steadfast in maintaining his innocence throughout his lengthy and unjust imprisonment. The U.S. government declared Lin as wrongfully detained and had been engaging with Chinese Communist Party leaders to obtain his release.
This wonderful news is tempered by the knowledge that there are still at least 11 other Americans unjustly detained in China, either in prison or banned from leaving the country. We hope that Mark Swidan (profiled above), Kai Li, and all the others will soon follow Pastor David Lin home.
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2024 BRINGING AMERICANS HOME REPORT
NOW AVAILABLE
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The Bringing Americans Home report series, now in its ninth year, assesses the effectiveness of the U.S. government’s efforts to secure the release of hostages and wrongful detainees and to support their families. Based on empirical data, the report makes policy and legislative recommendations to return more Americans held captive abroad faster while also deterring future hostage-taking.
The report includes a statistical summary of trends in hostage-taking and an accounting of current challenges. Uniquely, this research captures the views and direct experiences of hostage families and returnees, highlighting the challenges they face while documenting the support they need.
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THE JAMES W. FOLEY FREEDOM RUN | |
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Fall is around the corner and foliage is about to go in full color in New England, Jim's childhood home. It's time for the Foley Run.
Thousands will "Run for Jim” in celebration of Jim Foley's birthday. This race supports the Foley Foundation and furthers our mission – to secure the freedom of Americans held captive abroad, prevent future hostage-taking and promote journalist safety.
Now in its tenth year, the Freedom Run is a 5K Run/Walk held at the James W. Foley Community Center in Rochester, NH, and at Anacostia Park in Washington, DC. Or runners can sign up participate “virtually” runner wherever you are located.
Will you join us this October and further Jim's legacy?
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WASHINGTON, DC
October 13, 2024
7:00 AM Check-in
7:45 Park access closes
8:00 Run begins!
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VIRTUAL WORLDWIDE
October 19, 2024
Run in your neighborhood, on a local trail, in your backyard - the options are limitless!
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NEW HAMPSHIRE
October 19, 2024
8:00 AM - Check-in
9:30 AM - Kids Fun Run
10:00 AM - Race begins
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"WHY I RUN FOR JIM"
"This October marks my 10th year of participating in the James Foley Freedom Run/Walk. I do it because Jim was my nephew, and we all loved him dearly. I do it to keep his legacy alive and because I believe in the foundation established in his name and support its important mission of advocating for the freedom of U.S. hostages held abroad and journalist safety. Finally, I do it because I this is the kind of fundraiser Jim would have loved. It's inclusive; anyone can participate, and no donation is too small."
Martha Foley Jackson
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TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF JIM'S MURDER AND THE START OF THE FOLEY FOUNDATION | |
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August 19 marked the tenth anniversary of Jim’s murder. Many of you observed this date privately with family or friends, prayers, and hugs. Some of you did so publicly, with testimonials posted on social media and articles published in major publications. Many of these tributes came from returned hostages and their families. We are grateful to all who remember Jim and celebrate his legacy.
A few days later, on September 4, we celebrated the founding of the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation.
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Diane Foley speaks about Jim's moral courage | |
Charlie Sennott, founder of The Ground Truth Project, remembers Jim | |
Follow Us On Social Media! | |
Many more tributes may be found on our social media platforms! Follow us to stay up to date on Foley Foundation and hostage news. | |
GLOBAL SUMMIT ON TERRORISM AND POLITICAL VIOLENCE | |
Diane Foley, Foley Foundation's founder and president participated in the inaugural Global Summit on Terrorism and Political Violence, hosted by The Soufan Center, which took place from September 12 to 13 in New York. | |
BODEANS BENEFIT CONCERT IN WISCONSIN | |
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Featuring BoDeans along with The Predictors and The Thriftones, this benefit concert will take place at the Pabst Theater in Milwaukee, WI, on Saturday, Oct. 12. Tickets are available now.
Proceeds support the Foley Foundation, the James Wright Foley Archives at Marquette University, and Marquette’s Center for Peacemaking. Tickets are also available by calling the Pabst Box Office at (414) 242-8200. Calling the Pabst directly to purchase tickets avoids a 17% online service fee.
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Visit our Media Center to follow the latest Foundation, hostage, and journalist safety news. | |
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Please support the work of the Foley Foundation by sharing this newsletter with your coworkers, friends, and family, or by donating.
Visit our website
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