Australian writer Yang Hengjun, who was arrested in China on espionage charges in 2019, has been handed a suspended death sentence by a court in Beijing.
The terms of the sentence mean Yang’s sentence could be commuted to life imprisonment for good behaviour.
The court accused Yang of “endangering national security with particularly serious harm to the country and the people.” The terms of the suspended death sentence indicate that Yang’s punishment could be commuted to life imprisonment based on good behavior.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed deep dismay at the court’s decision, stating, “The Australian government is appalled by this outcome.” Wong confirmed that Australia would respond “in the strongest terms,” including summoning the Chinese ambassador.
She acknowledged the distress felt by Yang and his family, emphasizing the years of uncertainty they have endured.
Yang’s trial took place in May 2021, during which he had limited access to lawyers. China has not disclosed the exact charges against him or specified the country for which he is alleged to have been spying.
Yang, a 58-year-old blogger and pro-democracy activist, was arrested in January 2019 when he arrived at Guangzhou airport with his wife and was accused of having “endangered national security with particularly serious harm to the country and the people”.
