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Dr Yang Hengjun, the Australian pro-democracy writer who has been held in detention in China since 2019, has been sentenced to death in Beijing, but has been given a two-year reprieve that could see him given life imprisonment instead.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the federal government understands the sentence will be commuted to life in jail if Yang “does not commit any serious crimes in the two-year period”.
Wong said the government is appalled by the decision, which was handed down today in Beijing.
“This is harrowing news for Dr Yang, his family and all who have supported him,” Wong said.
“Our thoughts are with them. I acknowledge the acute distress they will all be feeling, after many years of uncertainty.
“This period has been extraordinarily difficult. Like so many Australians, I am moved by Dr Yang’s strength, and the strength of his family and friends.
“The Australian government will be communicating our response in the strongest terms.”
Wong has directed the Department of Foreign Affairs to summon China’s ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, over the sentence, but said Australia’s ambassador won’t be recalled from Beijing.
She also said the government understands there is an appeal process Yang may be able to pursue.
Yang was detained in January 2019 on espionage charges after arriving in Guangzhou from New York with his stepdaughter and wife. He has consistently denied the charges.
He was tried behind closed doors two years later, but a verdict was repeatedly delayed until today.
Concerns about his health have consistently been raised during his five years in detention.
Six months ago, Yang told supporters he was suffering from a large cyst on his kidney that wasn’t being properly treated and that he feared he would die in detention. There were also reports he had collapsed in prison.
“We have consistently called for basic standards of justice, procedural fairness and humane treatment for Dr Yang, in accordance with international norms and China’s legal obligations,” Wong said today.
“We will continue to press for Dr Yang’s interests and wellbeing, including appropriate medical treatment, and provide consular assistance to him and his family.
“All Australians want to see Dr Yang reunited with his family. We will not relent in our advocacy.”
Yang’s death sentence comes after relations between Australia and China had appeared to be thawing.
Australian journalist Cheng Lei was released from detention in October after more than three years behind bars, while China lifted some of its trade sanctions on Australian goods including barley.
Wong declined to say what impact Yang’s sentence will have on the relationship or Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s invitation to Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit Australia.
“I will make the point that this is a decision within China’s legal system,” she said.
“Clearly this is an occasion which we disagree.
“However, Australia will continue to advocate for the interests of Dr Yang.”
