2024-02-05 16:51:21
Canberra: Imprisoned Australian writer and democracy activist Dr. Chinese court sentenced Yang Hengjun to death. Five years ago, 53-year-old Yang Hengjun was imprisoned by the Chinese government on charges of espionage. After a three-year trial, the verdict shocked the Australian government and family members.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed the news of the death penalty. Penny Wong described the court’s decision as terrifying and painful. The new development comes amid efforts to restore long-strained diplomatic relations between China and Australia.
Former Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne urged China to deal with the issue transparently and fairly. The Australian government has applied for Yang’s release. Besides this, Wong said the government will respond strongly, including summoning the Chinese ambassador to explain the matter.
Penny Wong said the sentencing terms state that Yang’s sentence could be reduced to life after two years if he does not commit any serious crimes while in prison.
In 2019, while traveling with his wife and child, Yang, an Australian citizen and author of Chinese origin, was arrested at Guangzhou airport. China has informed Australia that Yang is in custody, but details of the case have not been made public. As the trial was held in a closed room under heavy security, Australian officials could not attend.
Yang, who was a visiting scholar at Columbia University in New York, has a large following of blogs. He has often written critically about the Communist Party and the regime in China. It is believed that this may have angered the Chinese government.
‘This is devastating news for Dr Yang, his family and all those who supported him. All Australians Dr. Yang wants to see him reunited with his family. We will not back down from our demand’ – said Penny Wong. Meanwhile, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has not responded to news of the court ruling.
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