Australia has expressed displeasure over Yang Hengjun’s postponed death sentence in China, which has sparked worries about how foreigners are handled by the Chinese justice system.
Yang Hengjun, a former Chinese diplomat turned political commentator and writer residing in Australia, was found guilty of espionage and sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve, according to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin.
This sentence, while initially a death penalty, often results in commutation to life imprisonment after the two-year reprieve.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed her dismay in a statement, calling the announcement of Yang’s sentencing harrowing news for Dr. Yang, his family, and all who have supported him. The Australian government has strongly condemned the news of Yang’s sentence.
Yang’s case has been a point of contention between Australia and China, with the Australian government repeatedly raising concerns over his treatment and advocating for his release.
Yang’s ordeal began when he was detained in January 2019 upon arrival in Guangzhou, China, from New York, accompanied by his wife and stepdaughter. Despite being tried behind closed doors in May 2021, the details of his case remain undisclosed. Yang, who became an Australian citizen in 2002, vehemently denies the allegations of espionage on behalf of Australia or the United States.
International Concern for Human Rights in China
The conditions of Yang’s detention have raised further alarm, with reports that he has not seen direct sunlight for over four years and has been diagnosed with a kidney cyst, leading to concerns about his health and access to medical care.
In response to Yang’s sentencing, the Australian government has vowed to communicate its response in the strongest terms and continue pressing for his interests and well-being, including access to appropriate medical treatment.
The plight of Yang Hengjun is not an isolated incident. It comes on the heels of the release of Australian journalist Cheng Lei, who spent over three years in detention in China.
The cases of Yang and Cheng have underscored the challenges faced by foreign nationals in China’s legal system and have become focal points in diplomatic relations between Australia and China.
As tensions persist, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that upholds justice and human rights.
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