Australian Writer Yang Hengjun Receives Death Sentence from Chinese Court

Australian writer Yang Hengjun, currently held in detention, has been handed a death sentence by a Chinese court, a verdict that could potentially be commuted to life imprisonment after two years if he demonstrates good behavior during his incarceration.

Characterizing the court's decision as "harrowing" and "appalling," Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed the government's strong response. Wong emphasized the necessity of making their position clear publicly, stating, "There are times you speak privately, and there are also times we have to make our position very clear publicly, and today is one of them."

Maintaining his innocence throughout, Yang Hengjun faced a highly secretive closed-door trial in Beijing. The pro-democracy writer now faces the prospect of spending the remainder of his life behind bars unless a successful appeal is made.

In reaction to the news, a spokesperson for Dr. Yang's family conveyed shock and devastation, asserting, "We know our father has done nothing wrong. He is in jail because he represents truth, democracy, respectful exchange of rational ideas."

Senator Wong affirmed that there are avenues of appeal available to Yang, and Australia will persist in advocating for his release. Emphasizing the consistent call for basic standards of justice and humane treatment, Wong stated, "We will continue to provide consular assistance to him and his family. All Australians want to see Dr. Yang reunited with his family."

Concerns about Yang's health have been raised by his family in recent months, with a letter from the writer last year expressing fears about inadequate treatment for a worsening kidney cyst. Senator Wong pledged to press for Yang's access to appropriate medical care, saying, "His health and what he requires has been a topic of discussion at many levels with the Chinese authorities."

Contrary to reports, Beijing's top diplomat in Australia, Xiao Qian, played down the severity of Yang's health condition and minimized the likelihood of his release, echoing a similar stance taken regarding detained journalist Cheng Lei. In response, Jan Adams, Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, summoned China’s Ambassador Xiao Qian to express the government’s objection to the sentence.

Despite the diplomatic tensions arising from the situation, Senator Wong clarified that recalling Australia's ambassador to China is not under consideration. Emphasizing the importance of stabilization in diplomatic relations, she stated, "I have said stabilisation means we cooperate where we can, disagree where we must, and we engage in the national interest. I will make the point this is a decision within China’s legal system. Clearly this is an occasion which we disagree."

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