Suffolk Reporter

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Suffolk County) has introduced a resolution urging the Chinese Communist Party to release Kai Li of Huntington, NY, who has been wrongfully detained for nearly eight years. LaLota emphasized the importance of reuniting Kai with his family, stating, “We will not rest until Kai is reunited with his family.”

LaLota called on President Biden to personally meet with Harrison, Kai Li's son, and other families of wrongfully detained Americans. The congressman has been a strong advocate for Kai's release, bringing Harrison Li as his guest to the State of the Union earlier this week.

Reflecting on Kai's situation, LaLota highlighted the urgency of the matter, saying, “For almost eight years, Kai Li has been wrongfully detained by the Chinese Communist Party. Since then, his son Harrison has been a fierce advocate for his return, but has been stonewalled by multiple Administrations.”

Kai Li's ordeal began in 2016 when he visited Shanghai to commemorate his mother's death. Upon his arrival, he was immediately arrested by CCP authorities on "state security charges." Despite being held in secret detention without access to legal counsel, Kai was convicted of espionage in a one-hour secret trial in July 2018.

LaLota's efforts to secure Kai's release have included sending a letter to President Biden and joining other members in a letter to Secretary Blinken to address the human rights abuses faced by Kai and others in China. The congressman's resolution seeks to bring attention to the injustice faced by Kai Li and calls for his prompt return home.