Australian Writer, Yang Hengjun, Receives Suspended Death Sentence in China

Australian-Chinese writer Yang Hengjun has been sentenced to death with a reprieve by a Chinese court for alleged spying. The sentence could be changed to life imprisonment after two years, according to Australian officials. Yang, a scholar and novelist who frequently blogged about Chinese affairs, denies the charges against him, which have not been disclosed publicly. The Australian government, which has long advocated for his release, expressed its shock at the decision. Yang, also known as the "democracy peddler," was cautious in his writings and avoided direct criticisms of the Chinese government. He was apprehended at Guangzhou airport in January 2019 and has since faced a largely secretive trial. Although Australian authorities have expressed concerns, China's foreign ministry has urged them not to interfere and to respect its judicial sovereignty. Yang's family claims he endured over 300 interrogations and six months of severe torture while in detention. This is an ongoing news story with further updates expected.