In a shocking turn of events, Australian writer Yang Hengjun has been handed a suspended death sentence by a Beijing court. This comes after five years of detainment in China and three years since his closed-door trial on espionage charges.
A Pro-Democracy Blogger Facing Unknown Accusations
Yang Hengjun, an Australian citizen born in China, was working in New York before his arrest at Guangzhou airport in 2019. As a pro-democracy blogger, he had been accused of spying for an undisclosed country, with the details of the case remaining unknown.
A Suspended Death Sentence for a Serious Injustice
According to Sydney-based scholar Feng Chongyi, the court delivered a suspended death sentence for Yang Hengjun. This sentence will be converted to life imprisonment after two years. Yang’s family was present in court to receive the verdict.
Feng Chongyi expressed his concerns, stating that this is a case of serious injustice. He further emphasized that Yang had consistently denied the charges against him. Chongyi called upon the Australian government to seek medical parole for Yang.
Australian Government’s Advocacy and Troubled Thoughts
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed deep concern over the ongoing delays in Yang Hengjun’s case. She noted that he had been detained for five years without a verdict. The Australian government has been advocating for his well-being at the highest levels.
The Chinese foreign ministry has not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter.
A Secret Trial and Denial of Espionage Allegations
Yang Hengjun’s trial took place secretly in May 2021, with the details of the case never being publicly disclosed. Throughout the process, Yang has consistently denied working as a spy for Australia or the United States.
Prior to his detainment, Yang was renowned for his writing on Chinese and U.S. politics. In addition to being a high-profile blogger, he authored a series of spy novels.
Pleas for Release on Medical Grounds
Yang Hengjun’s two sons, who reside in Australia, reached out to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in October. They urged the prime minister to seek their father’s release on medical grounds. As the situation unfolds, the fate of this Australian writer hangs in the balance.