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https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/may/14/australian-writer-jailed-beijing-thanks-albanese-letter-yang-hengjun>
"Jailed Chinese-Australian academic Yang Hengjun has written to Anthony
Albanese from his prison cell in Beijing, thanking him for repeatedly
expressing Australia’s “grave concerns” about his deteriorating health to
Chinese officials.
Yang, who was given a suspended death sentence by a Chinese court in February
2024 after already serving five years in detention on espionage charges that he
denies, told the prime minister “words are now failing me”.
“Tears blur my vision,” Yang wrote on what he described as the sixth
anniversary of his imprisonment. “I can only use a silent voice to thank you
and all the people who care for and love me. I know you and the Australian
government endeavour to do your utmost to bring me home for medical care and
reunification with my family.”
Yang, who has stated he is “100% innocent”, has previously told supporters he
feared he could die in a prison cell from a worsening medical condition he says
has not been treated properly. His friends fear he may not survive his
incarceration.
Yang’s letter thanked Australia’s ambassador to China, Scott Dewar, and
diplomatic staff who have continued to visit him in prison, called for his
release and passed messages from his family in Australia.
“All of this solicitude and solace has helped me to bear what has been untold
and unbearable suffering,” Yang said. “They are not family, and yet they are
more than family. How could words articulate my emotions?
“I feel all of your support beside me as I stagger through the hardest and
darkest chapter of my life, allowing me to immerse in the warmth of humanity.
“It has helped me to understand the value of words and deeds of a government of
the people, by the people, for the people – to enable me to fully understand
the true meaning of being an Australian citizen.”"
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
