SYDNEY, Australia – An Australian citizen and writer, Yang Hengjun, has been given a suspended death penalty in China after being detained for five years on charges of espionage. The news was confirmed by Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong on Monday. He was born in China and is known for his activism in promoting democracy.
According to Wong, Yang was sentenced by a Beijing court, with the possibility of the death penalty being commuted to life imprisonment after two years if no further serious crimes are committed. The Australian government expressed shock and dismay at the sentence and extended their thoughts to Yang and his family.
Yang’s ordeal began in 2019 when he was detained at the airport in Guangzhou after arriving in China. He was later charged with espionage, allegations which he has consistently denied. His trial in 2021 was held behind closed doors, and the verdict and sentence were repeatedly delayed.
The Chinese court system, particularly in cases involving national security, is known for its lack of transparency with a high conviction rate. Yang’s health has deteriorated while in detention, and he has expressed concerns about his well-being, including the discovery of a large cyst on his kidney.
The Australian government has been lobbying for Yang’s release and medical treatment. Foreign Minister Wong has vowed to continue pressing for his interests and to provide consular assistance to him and his family.
Yang’s case has sparked criticism from human rights groups, with calls for stronger action from the Australian government to increase pressure on Beijing. The severity of the sentence has raised concerns about Beijing’s opaque criminal justice system and its control by the Chinese Communist Party.
This is not the first instance of Australians being caught up in national security cases in China, sparking tensions between the two countries. Last October, Australian TV anchor Cheng Lei was released after being detained for over three years on espionage charges.
The fate of Yang Hengjun remains uncertain, and concerns about his well-being and the transparency of the Chinese legal system persist as the Australian government seeks to secure his release and return.