Cassidy Secures Release of Wrongfully Detained Louisiana Woman Facing Life Imprisonment in Philippines

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced Tina Becker, a Louisiana native wrongfully detained in the Philippines on baseless drug charges, has safely returned home to her family. Becker was facing life in prison for possessing an empty prescription drug container. Cassidy and his team worked for over a year to successfully facilitate her return.

"Bringing Tina back home was a question of saving a person from life imprisonment in a foreign country," said Dr. Cassidy. "We were in a position to help secure her freedom, so we fought to bring her home."

On September 1, 2024, Tina was arrested in the Pasay City airport in the Philippines when she was found with an empty prescription drug container. Following her arrest, for 18 months, she endured uninhabitable imprisonment conditions as she awaited trial.

Background

Cassidy continues to work secure freedom for other Louisianans wrongfully detained overseas, including Bossier City-native Nelson Wells, Jr. For years, Cassidy and his team have worked to help bring home Wells who has been imprisoned in China for over 13 years. Cassidy and his office have worked with the State Department, including the SPEHA Office of Hostage Affairs and the consular section, and have met with the Chinese Ambassador, embassy officials, and senior Politburo members to advocate for Wells release as well as improvements to his living conditions. They have also remained in contact with the Wells family throughout their ordeal.

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