BCB in Brief: Australian writer Yang Hengjun will not appeal suspended death sentence
What happened
Australian writer Yang Hengjun will not appeal his suspended death sentence, which was handed down by Chinese authorities earlier this month after more than five years in detention.
In a statement explaining the decision, Yang’s family and friends cited a lack of faith in China’s criminal justice system and the risk that an appeal could further impede access to adequate medical care.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong vowed that the Australian government would continue to advocate for Yang “at the highest levels” and press for his “interests and wellbeing.”