Australian writer Yang Hengjun handed suspended death sentence in China

A Chinese courtroom on Monday (February 5, 2024) gave a suspended death sentence to Australian author Yang Hengjun, 5 years after he was arrested on spying fees.

The sentence could also be commuted to life imprisonment after two years, in accordance with Australian officers as quoted by BBC.

The Australian author has denied the costs levelled in opposition to him.

Australia reacts

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong mentioned her authorities will likely be speaking its response to China in ‘strongest phrases’.

“Dr Yang has been detained since January 2019 on nationwide safety fees. His verdict and sentence have been topic to repeated delays since his closed trial on 27 May 2021,” Wong mentioned in an announcement.

She mentioned: “The Australian Government will likely be speaking our response in the strongest phrases.”

“The Australian Government has advocated for Dr Yang with China at each alternative, and on the highest ranges. We have persistently known as for fundamental requirements of justice, procedural equity and humane therapy for Dr Yang, in accordance with worldwide norms and China’s authorized obligations,” she mentioned.

“We will proceed to press for Dr Yang’s pursuits and wellbeing, together with applicable medical therapy, and supply consular help to him and his household,” she mentioned.

One of the supporters of Yang Hengjun described his detention as “political persecution”.

“He is punished by the Chinese authorities for his criticism of human rights abuses in China and his advocacy for common values resembling human rights, democracy and the rule of legislation,” his pal, Sydney educational Feng Chongyi, informed the BBC.

Reacting to the event, Human Rights Watch Asia Director Elaine Pearson informed BBC: “He has had delayed and restricted entry to authorized illustration, a closed door trial – and Yang himself has alleged torture and compelled confessions throughout his interrogations.”