Australia Expresses Appalled Response to Suspended Death Sentence for Chinese Australian Writer
Australia has expressed its deep appallment at the suspended death sentence handed down to Chinese Australian writer and democracy blogger Yang Hengjun by China. In a statement released on Monday, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong described the news as 'harrowing' for Dr. Yang, his family, and all those who have supported him throughout his ordeal.
Dr. Yang has been detained in China since January 19, 2019, when he arrived in Guangzhou from New York with his wife and teenage stepdaughter. After being held for more than two years without trial, Yang finally received a closed-door trial on an espionage charge in Beijing in May 2021. Since then, he has been anxiously awaiting the verdict.
The Chinese legal system often commutes suspended sentences to life imprisonment after a specific period. However, there was no immediate announcement from the Chinese side regarding the specific length of the suspended sentence bestowed upon Dr. Yang.
The plight of Yang Hengjun has grown increasingly fraught over time. In August last year, he informed his family that he feared he would die in detention after being diagnosed with a kidney cyst. This prompted his supporters to fervently demand his release for urgent medical treatment. Australia, on its part, has been proactive in advocating for Dr. Yang's interests and wellbeing. Foreign Minister Penny Wong affirmed that the country would be communicating its response to China in the 'strongest terms' and would continue to press for appropriate medical care for Dr. Yang.
The plight of Yang Hengjun is not an isolated incident. Last October, Australian journalist Cheng Lei was finally freed after more than three years of detainment in China. Cheng had been held on allegations of breaking an embargo with a television broadcast on a state-run TV network. The cases of Yang and Cheng have served as major points of discussion during high-level meetings between Australia and China in recent years.
Australia's strong response to the suspended death sentence handed to Yang Hengjun emphasizes the commitment of the country to the welfare of its citizens, regardless of their location. The Australian government's continued efforts to advocate for proper medical care and the overall wellbeing of Dr. Yang demonstrate its dedication to protecting the rights and interests of its citizens abroad. As the situation unfolds, many will monitor closely to see how Australia's stance will influence the outcome for Yang and other individuals caught in similar circumstances.
