Trial could begin in weeks for detained Australian writer Yang Hengjun
After being detained by the Chinese government for 22 months, the lawyer of Chinese Australian writer Yang Hengjun received a confirmation last week that his trial could begin in a few weeks. However, the latest information also shows that Yang is suffering from multiple health issues during detention.
Australian writer Yang Heng-Jun’s lawyer was informed on October 7 that his case has been transferred from the Second Branch of People’s Procuratorate of Beijing Municipality to the Beijing No.2 Intermediate People’s Court. His lawyer Shang Bao-Jun confirmed the news and said he expects to receive the official indictment on October 13.
Dr. Feng Chongyi, an associate professor in China studies at the University of Technology Sydney, said the court is expected to take one to two weeks to appoint a judge to handle Yang’s case, and according to Chinese law, the court will have to hand down a ruling within three months.
“However, the Chinese justice departments often don’t follow the law, making it a very complicated matter,” said Dr. Feng. “Yang has been detained for 22 months, but his trial hasn’t even started yet. All the processes before that are considered as the “investigation stage,” meaning Yang’s lawyers couldn’t get involved with the case. China’s justice system is completely against international human rights norms.”
“Yang’s health conditions are concerning”
According to Feng, since Yang Hengjun was arrested, his wife has been banned from leaving China by the Chinese government. Even though she is a permanent resident in Australia, when she tried to buy tickets and leave China for three times over the last 22 months, she was always prevented from leaving at the airport.
“She is very frustrated with the development of Yang’s case,” Feng said. “Before he was detained, her husband was a very healthy man. After being detained for 22 months, he is now in very bad health conditions.”
Yang reportedly has high blood pressure, high uric acid level, prostatic issues, memory loss and some heart issues.
“Western countries should increase pressure on China”
Yang isn’t the only Australian citizen that’s currently detained by the Chinese government. Chinese Australian news anchor Cheng Lei disappeared in mid August and according to China’s Foreign Ministry, Cheng is now being investigated for “engaging in activities that endanger China’s national security.” According to Australian media, Cheng has reportedly been put under “residence at a designated location.”
While the Australian government was late to respond to Yang’s detention initially, they learned about Yang’s deteriorating health conditions after several consular visits. According to Feng, Canberra has protested against China’s treatment of Yang through different channels ever since. “The Australian government has done everything that they can do,” said Feng.
However, Feng also pointed out that after several cases of “hostage diplomacy” involving foreign citizens and the Chinese government over the last few years, democratic governments haven’t formed a coalition to increase pressure on China. Apart from regular statements condemning China’s human rights violation from civil society groups and human rights organizations, Feng thinks there isn’t a consistent response from democratic countries.
“When democratic countries can’t join forces to increase pressure on China, their people face great risks while working or traveling in China,” Feng said. “The Chinese government used to be more reserved when it comes to arresting foreign nationals, but now they have nothing to be afraid of.”
Feng believes that if the international community can increase pressure on China coherently, Beijing will know that their international image, trading relationships and personnel exchange will face a lot of limitations. “When they face these pushbacks, Beijing might consider taking a step back from their aggression against foreign nationals now.”
This piece was first published in Mandarin on DW’s Chinese website.
