Australian writer given suspended death sentence in China

Chinese authorities have handed down a suspended death sentence to Australian writer Yang Hengjun, marking five years since his arrest on espionage charges. 

Australian officials suggest that the sentence might be commuted to life imprisonment after two years.

Dr. Yang, a scholar and novelist known for blogging about Chinese state affairs, vehemently denies the undisclosed charges. 

The Australian government expresses deep dismay at the verdict, with Foreign Minister Penny Wong summoning China’s Ambassador to Australia for an explanation. 

Wong has affirmed that the government will convey its response to Beijing in the “strongest terms.”

“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,” she said in a statement.

“All Australians want to see Dr Yang reunited with his family. We will not relent in our advocacy.”