Australian writer Yang Hengjun handed death sentence in China

Foreign Minister Penny Wong says the Australian government is "appalled" with the decision.

Transcript

00:00 Today I come to you with the most harrowing news. In Beijing, Australian citizen Dr Yang

00:08 Jun has received a suspended death sentence. We understand that this can be commuted to

00:14 a life sentence following two years. The Australian Government is appalled at this outcome. We

00:21 will be communicating our response in the strongest terms. As a first step, I have directed

00:27 my Secretary to summon China's Ambassador to Australia to express our objection. We

00:33 have consistently called for basic standards of justice, procedural fairness and humane

00:38 treatment to Dr Yang in accordance with international norms and China's legal obligations. Australia

00:45 will not relent in our advocacy for justice for Dr Yang's interests and wellbeing, including

00:51 appropriate medical treatment, and we will continue to provide consular assistance to

00:56 him and his family. All Australians want to see Dr Yang reunited with his family.

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