David Lee, a Chinese-born American businessman, was sentenced to five years in prison in China for charges related to incidents nearly 25 years ago, despite having traveled freely to China for years. His family and human rights activists claim the case exemplifies arbitrary law enforcement in China, urging for his release on humanitarian grounds due to his deteriorating health. The charges of intentional injury and 'picking quarrels' stem from altercations in 2000-2001, one resulting in a death, though Lee's role was reportedly minor. Lee was briefly detained at the time but released without formal charges, leading him to believe the case was closed. His recent arrest coincided with heightened US-China tensions, although there's no direct link, and his lawyers have filed an appeal against the heavy sentence.

David Lee, who became an American citizen in 2002, was sentenced to five years in prison in China for his involvement in altercations nearly 25 years ago, despite having traveled to China regularly without issues for his business.

The charges against Lee include intentional injury and 'picking quarrels and provoking trouble,' with the latter often used by China against perceived threats to social stability.

Lee's family, along with human rights activist John Kamm, argue that his sentence is excessive and reflects the poor state of US-China relations, calling for his release on humanitarian grounds due to his poor health.

The main incident occurred in 2001 in Hebei, where Lee allegedly drove acquaintances to a business dispute site, leading to a fight and a man's death, although witnesses confirm Lee did not leave the car.

Lee was detained after the 2001 incident but released without charges, under the impression that the case was closed, and he resumed frequent travel to China until his abrupt arrest in 2025.

The court accused Lee of jumping bail, a claim disputed by his wife who insists he was unaware of any restrictions, as he had not been formally arrested in the past.

His arrest and sentencing came amid US-China diplomatic tensions, yet no evidence suggests a direct connection to these geopolitical issues, and the US Embassy and Chinese authorities have not commented on the case.