More than a year ago, in February 2024, Australian writer Dr Yang Hengjun was sentenced to death by a court in China, after five years in detention on allegations that he is a spy. To this day, Chinese authorities have failed to substantiate their allegations against Dr Yang.
During his many years in detention, his health has deteriorated, and his family are gravely concerned. Ahead of World Day Against the Death Penalty this Friday, will you take urgent action for Dr Yang?
Urgent action is needed
Dr Yang was detained by the Chinese authorities in January 2019. Over the following months he endured more than 300 interrogations by 30 different people, sometimes for hours at a time. No one else saw or heard from him during this period. Then, in 2020, he was charged with unsubstantiated allegations of espionage.
His prosecution appears to be purely motivated by articles he wrote advocating for democracy and his criticism of the Chinese government.
Dr Yang’s death sentence was delivered following an unfair trial held behind closed doors. After two years of good behaviour, his sentence could be converted to a life sentence, but as his health continues to deteriorate, we must not delay action.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has said before that “the Australian government is appalled by this outcome” and will be responding “in the strongest terms”.
“All Australians want to see Dr Yang reunited with his family. We will not relent in our advocacy.”
Foreign Minister Penny Wong
Dr Yang has said he fears he might die in prison. For him and his family, please sign the petition to demand that the Chinese authorities quash his death sentence immediately.
Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 10 million people who take injustice personally. We are campaigning for a world where human rights are enjoyed by all – and we can only do it with your support.
Act now or learn more about our human rights work.
