An Australian author jailed in China has detailed his “unbearable” prison suffering in a letter to supporters, saying he still dreams of returning home one day.
Chinese-born Australian writer Yang Jun has been jailed since 2019 on espionage charges he has forcefully denied.
The author and academic, also known by pen name Yang Hengjun, was handed a suspended death sentence last year that could be downgraded to life in prison pending good behaviour.
A former pro-democracy blogger who also wrote spy novels, Yang thanked all those who continued to call for his freedom.
“All of this solicitude and solace has helped me to bear what has been untold and unbearable suffering,” Yang wrote in a letter dated January 10, but released to media this week.
Yang has previously told supporters that he was tortured at a secret detention site and that he feared forced confessions may be used against him.
His Australia-based family said last year they had grave fears for his health after the discovery of a cyst growing on his kidney.
“Tears blur my vision,” Yang wrote in his latest letter, addressed to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
“I know you and the Australian government endeavour to do your utmost to bring me home for medical care and reunification with my family.”
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has repeatedly called for Yang’s release.
“Dr Yang writes of his great love for his country — and we want to see him home in Australia, reunited with his family,” Wong said in a statement.
“We continue to advocate for Dr Yang’s interests and wellbeing at every opportunity and at the highest levels, including access to appropriate medical care.”
China’s foreign ministry said Beijing “fully safeguards the legal rights of all relevant parties” when asked about Yang’s case on Thursday.
Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian urged Australia to “respect China’s judicial sovereignty” at a regular news briefing.
Attempts to raise Yang’s case have irked Chinese officials in the past, who have told Australia to stop meddling in their country’s justice system.
Yang was arrested on a trip back to China in January 2019. His closed-door trial was heard in Beijing in 2021.
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