Yang Hengjun, an Australian writer, was given a death sentence that was put on hold because of threats to national security. He could spend the rest of his life in a Chinese jail.
Penny Wong, who is the minister of foreign affairs, said that the federal government was shocked. She told reporters in Canberra, “This is terrible news for Dr. Yang, his family, and everyone who has helped him.” “Our hearts are with them. I know that after many years of doubt, they will all be in a lot of pain. If he doesn’t do any more major crimes in two years, the sentence could be changed to life in prison.
A family member of Dr. Yang said they were shocked and heartbroken. They told the world on Monday, “We know our father has done nothing wrong.” “He is in jail because he represents truth, democracy, respectful exchange of rational ideas.” There are still ways for the writer to appeal, and the government will keep fighting for him. Amnesty International, a group that fights for human rights, said it was shocked by the sentence.
A statement from Amnesty International said, “To this day, the Chinese government has failed to prove that Hengjun is a spy.” “Rather, this sentence and his prosecution appear to be purely motivated by Hengjun’s advocacy for democracy and because of his writings critical of the Chinese government.”
The Australian government scolded Chinese Ambassador Xiao Qian, and Jan Adams, who is in charge of foreign affairs, spoke out against the decision.
Mr. Xiao didn’t say anything as he left the department’s offices, which had been open for less than thirty minutes. Senator Wong said that Australia’s ambassador in Beijing would not be called back. “Australia will not relent in our advocacy for justice for Dr Yang’s interests and well-being, including appropriate medical treatment,” she stated.
Simon Birmingham, a spokeswoman for the opposition on foreign affairs, said that all legal options should be looked into. “I’m sure Australians will be aghast and appalled at the decision of Chinese authorities to level a sentence of this nature against an Australian citizen,” he stated.
“It must be the top priority for the Albanese government in their engagement with Chinese officials to continue to advocate on Hengjun’s behalf.”
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