The Price of Silence: Why Freedom Must Be Demanded, Not Granted

What Happened in Beijing Was More Than a Release

When Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri returned home this summer, it was a moment that reminded the world what happens when diplomacy meets moral clarity. His release after Chinese authorities detained him for preaching the gospel was hailed as a miracle by Christians around the globe. But behind the headlines lies a sobering truth: his freedom did not come without pressure from Washington.

I've seen this game played before—diplomatic leverage, political will, and moral urgency converging into action. In Pastor Jin's case, it was clear that when President Trump raised his name with Xi Jinping in Beijing, China moved. And now, as the two leaders prepare to meet again at the White House, we must ask: what more can be demanded? What other names should be on that table?

"God sent His Son 'to proclaim liberty to the captives and… to set at liberty those who are oppressed.' (Luke 4:18)"

This quote, often used in contexts of faith and redemption, speaks not only to the spiritual but also to the political. It tells us that freedom is a fundamental right, one that transcends religious boundaries and ideological divides. When we fail to act, we allow systems of oppression to persist under the guise of diplomacy.

The Case of Dr. Gulshan Abbas: A Family's Fight for Justice

Dr. Gulshan Abbas, a Uyghur physician, represents another side of this story—one that is less reported but equally urgent. She was seized in Urumqi not for any crime, but because her sister—an American citizen—spoke publicly about the genocide against Uyghurs. Dr. Abbas now sits behind bars for over 20 years, sentenced on fabricated charges.

Her case is more than a political prisoner's story; it's an act of transnational repression designed to silence voices abroad. It's about intimidation tactics by foreign governments to muzzle dissent and stifle the very freedoms that make America great. That kind of behavior should enrage every American who values the First Amendment.

Ziba Murat, Dr. Abbas's daughter, has spent eight years tirelessly advocating for her mother's freedom. Their story is not unique—there are dozens like them across the globe. But unlike Pastor Jin, whose case resonated with religious communities, Dr. Abbas's struggle lacks the same visibility. And yet, she deserves just as much attention.

Freedom Is Not a Privilege, It's a Right

The U.S. government has always claimed to stand for human rights, especially those tied to religious liberty. But when a country like China jails doctors and pastors simply because they speak truthfully, the world watches with concern. What is happening in China today isn't just about persecution—it's about the erosion of global norms that protect people from state-sponsored violence.

We must never forget: freedom of speech isn't only for those who agree with us. It's for all who dare to speak out against injustice, regardless of their faith or nationality. The same God who counted the hairs on our heads also counts the names on the list of political prisoners being held in China today.

In fact, if we're serious about freedom, we must begin demanding that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) release not only Dr. Abbas but all those imprisoned for speaking truthfully. This includes Tibetan Buddhists, Falun Gong practitioners, Hong Kongers, and countless others whose voices are being silenced by fear.

From Pastor Jin to Dr. Abbas: A Call to Action

After Pastor Jin's release, there was hope—and proof that pressure works. If Dr. Abbas walks out of prison, she would be the first Uyghur political prisoner freed since the genocide began. That would send a powerful signal—not only to Beijing but also to the world—that the United States will not tolerate oppression, no matter how cloaked in political rhetoric.

As a former official in the White House and National Security Council, I understand the complexities of international diplomacy. But I also know that when human rights are at stake, we cannot afford to be passive. The Chinese government must know that its actions are not invisible—and that the U.S. has both the moral authority and the leverage to demand justice.

What we must do now is make sure that Dr. Abbas's name is front and center during the upcoming summit with President Trump and Xi Jinping. She is not just another case; she is a symbol of what is at stake. And asking for her freedom should not be seen as a detour from America First—it should be the very definition of it.

Advocating for Religious Freedom Is National Security

Advocating for religious freedom isn't just about compassion; it's a strategic national interest. When a government like China jails people for their beliefs, it sends a message to the rest of the world: you can be silenced without consequence.

By refusing to speak up, we enable regimes that violate basic human rights. By speaking out, we show that freedom is not negotiable—and that our country stands firm in defending those who cannot defend themselves. That's how America leads—not by coercion or force alone, but by standing up for principles even when it's difficult.

Dr. Abbas has 24 American citizen relatives who want her home. Securing her release would not only reunite a family; it would also send a strong signal to the Chinese Communist Party that it cannot restrict free speech on U.S. soil, silence an entire family, and expect the White House to look away while it talks tariffs.

The Moral Imperative: Speak Up for Those Who Cannot

Every voice matters. Every life counts. And every person detained without cause deserves a fight—and not just from the United States but from the international community as well.

Let me be clear: I cannot thank God for Pastor Jin's freedom and then treat Dr. Abbas as optional. If Christ can claim me, I do not get to decide that she is someone else's problem. Freedom is not a favor—it's a responsibility we all share.

So when the leaders of two nations meet at the White House, let them know that names like Dr. Abbas are not just placeholders—they are real people with real stories, real families, and real futures. Let this summit be a turning point—not just for China, but for all those who suffer under systems built on fear and silence.

"Speak up for those who cannot speak. Even if they don't pray like you."

This isn't about politics—it's about humanity. And we must never let anything stand in the way of our duty to speak truth to power.