A Chinese court sentenced China-born Australian democracy blogger Yang Hengjun to death with a two-year reprieve for espionage.
The Australian government expressed shock and dismay, with Foreign Minister Penny Wong calling it harrowing news.
Yang, a former diplomat and state security agent, was detained in 2019 and tried behind closed doors in 2021.
“The Australian Government is appalled,” Wong stated. “This is harrowing news for Dr. Yang, his family and all who have supported him.”
He denied spying for Australia or the United States.
The Australian government plans to communicate its response strongly and press for his interests and wellbeing, including medical care.
This case follows the recent release of Australian journalist Cheng Lei after over three years in detention in China.
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