Who Is Mark Swidan? Former Chinese Hostage Begins Life Again as GoFundMe Raises Over $44,000

Mark Swidan, an American citizen from Houston, Texas, is slowly rebuilding his life after spending 12 long years in a Chinese prison, where he was wrongfully detained and tortured. His story has touched thousands across the world, and a GoFundMe campaign, launched by his mother, has already raised over $44,000 to support his recovery.

Wrongful Detention in China

Mark traveled to China in 2012 for business to search for affordable manufacturing supplies. But on his final night in Guangzhou, he was arrested and accused of drug-related charges, which he always denied. Despite the lack of evidence and no drugs found on him, he was sentenced to death and kept in prison for 12 years and 14 days.

• The U.S. State Department declared his case a wrongful detention

• The United Nations called it a “deprivation of liberty”

Life Inside a Chinese Prison: Torture and Starvation

In his first TV interview with Elizabeth Vargas on NewsNation, Mark revealed shocking details of his imprisonment: “There’s no running water… no windows… no toilets… no clothing.”

He described being locked inside a small cell with 30 men, forced to sleep on a bare floor with lights kept on 24 hours a day.
His meals were limited to a bowl of rice and a small piece of pork fat, twice a day.
He lost over 100 pounds and endured constant torture.

A Mother’s Fight: GoFundMe Reaches $44,000

After his return to the U.S. in November 2024, Mark arrived with nothing but the clothes on his back. His mother, Katherine Swidan, sold his house to fight for his release and now seeks help to rebuild his life.

Her emotional message on GoFundMe reads: “He lost everything… He endured torture and starvation but never denounced his country or faith. Now he needs help to live again.”

The fundraiser has reached 45% of its $100,000 goal, showing strong public support.

Starting Over at 50: “A Rebirth”

Mark admits life is not easy after so many years: “I came home to basically nothing. I’m still recovering. I’m just trying to get it together.”

He is now reconnecting with an old love, who is helping him adjust to freedom. He describes this phase of his life as a rebirth.

A Story of Survival and Faith

Despite unimaginable pain, Mark never lost hope. He refused to denounce his country or faith, even while facing torture. His strength has made him a powerful symbol of resilience.