Australian writer Yang Hengjun got a suspended death sentence from a Chinese court

An Australian writer, Yang Hengjun, got a suspended death sentence from a Chinese court. This happened five years after he got arrested and accused of spying.

According to Australian officials, the court might change the sentence to life imprisonment in two years.

Dr. Yang, a scholar and novelist who wrote about Chinese state affairs on his blog, says he’s innocent. The charges against him are not public.

The Australian government is shocked by the decision. They expressed dismay after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited China last year, trying to improve relations.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong called China’s Ambassador to Australia for an explanation. She stated that the government would powerfully convey its response to Beijing.

“We consistently called for basic justice, fairness, and humane treatment for Dr. Yang, following international norms and China’s legal obligations,” she said.

Australian writer Yang Hengjun got a suspended death sentence

The charges against Dr. Yang, a former China’s Ministry of State Security employee, are not new. His writings, often avoiding direct criticism of the government, led to his nickname, the “democracy peddler.”

Living in New York, he went to Guangzhou in 2019 with his wife and her child when he was intercepted at the airport.
Dr. Yang’s case, including a secret trial in 2021, primarily unfolded behind closed doors. His supporters claim it’s political persecution.

Human Rights Watch Asia Director Elaine Pearson called the outcome “outrageous,” citing due process concerns. Dr. Yang alleges torture and forced confessions during interrogations.
While Dr. Yang has avenues of appeal, his health is reportedly failing. His Australian-based sons have expressed concern about his lack of medical treatment.

The detention of Dr. Yang and journalist Cheng Lei in 2020 strained Beijing-Canberra ties. Relations have been stabilizing since the change of government in Australia in 2022.

However, the new sentence for Dr. Yang could severely impact bilateral relations, according to Lowy Institute senior fellow Richard McGregor. He emphasizes the Chinese legal system’s opacity and resistance to reasonable requests for citizens challenging it.

The fear is that Dr. Yang might spend the rest of his life in prison, a conclusion reflecting the end of expectations.