China: Statement on the suspended death sentence for Dr Yang Hengjun

Dr Yang Hengjun's suspended death sentence is another cruel move in a case marred by secrecy and an apparent lack of procedural fairness. Today’s announcement means two more years waiting to find out if he will be executed or have his sentence commuted, likely still to a very lengthy sentence of imprisonment.

This follows Dr Yang being detained for over five years on vague espionage charges and left waiting for an outcome for almost three years. In apparent contravention of the universal right to a fair and public hearing, Dr Yang’s family said his trial was held in secret. He has also reportedly been interrogated hundreds of times and denied proper access to his lawyer or medical treatment. These conditions fall far short of the international minimum standards for the treatment of incarcerated persons.

Family and friends believe Dr Yang’s only ‘crime’ was speaking out for human rights. The death penalty is an affront to all human dignity. International law demands that, where it is retained, it must only be applied for the most serious crimes and in circumstances where the charges are dealt with by an impartial court in a fair and public hearing.

The Australian Government must continue to do all they can to bring Dr Yang home to his family.