China’s trial of Yang Hengjun begins with Australia’s ambassador denied access
- Political writer and novelist, who has been in detention for more than two years, is charged with spying and could face life in prison
- Trial behind closed doors of 56-year-old naturalised Australian is expected to put further strain on relations between the two countries
There was tight security around Beijing Second Intermediate People’s Court on Thursday morning as Australia’s ambassador to China, Graham Fletcher, was prevented from watching the proceedings, with the Covid-19 pandemic given as the reason.
“This is deeply regrettable and concerning and unsatisfactory,” he told reporters outside the court, adding that the Chinese foreign ministry had also said it would not be able to access the trial because the case involved national security.
“We’ve had long-standing concerns about this case, including the lack of transparency, and therefore have concluded that it is an instance of arbitrary detention.”
Fletcher said Yang’s condition was “fine”, and that the Australian government had been informed about the trial date late last week.
He said consular officials had access to Yang last month, and would continue to provide support to him and his family. He denied that the case would affect China-Australia relations.
