CNHRA PERSON RECORD · CNHRA-P-746897
Yang Hengjun
Biography
Yang Hengjun is an Australian writer and blogger whose legal name is Yang Jun. He wrote espionage novels and online commentary on Chinese politics, reform and civil rights, describing himself as a democracy peddler.[1]
PEN International describes his Fatal series of novels and years of public discussion through blogs and social media. His writing and exchanges with readers addressed political developments in China and abroad, the rule of law, democracy and individual liberty.[1]
After his detention, relatives, friends and the Australian government raised questions about access, trial and health. The foreign minister’s February 2026 statement confirms his Australian citizenship and says the government continues to advocate concerning his welfare and detention conditions.[1][2]
Case Summary
Yang was detained after arriving in China in January 2019 and later prosecuted for espionage. A closed trial took place in Beijing on May 27, 2021, with Australian diplomats denied entry; the judgment was subsequently delayed repeatedly.[1][3]
On February 5, 2024, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced that Yang had received a death sentence suspended for two years and expressed the government’s dismay. In a statement marking two years since sentencing on February 5, 2026, she called for procedural fairness, humane treatment and reunification with his family.[3][2]
Timeline
2019-01
Detained after arriving in China
Yang was detained after entering China. His relatives and the Australian government sought information about his circumstances, and PEN records subsequent espionage proceedings.[1]
2021-05-27
Closed trial in Beijing
2024-02-05
Suspended death sentence
Australia’s foreign minister announced the Chinese court’s death sentence suspended for two years. She expressed the government’s opposition and continued representations to China.[3]
2024-06
Prison transfer recorded by PEN
PEN International records Yang’s transfer to Beijing No. 2 Prison in June. It continued to raise his health, family contact and detention conditions and to call for release.[1]
2026-02-05
Australian statement two years after sentencing
The foreign minister noted seven years of detention and called for fair procedures and humane treatment under international norms. She pledged continued advocacy and expressed the wish to see him reunited with family.[2]
Related Events
Sources
- [1]
CNHRA-S-817045PEN International
Evidence location: Identity and writing; detention in 2019, May 27, 2021 trial and June 2024 prison transfer.
- [2]
CNHRA-S-836973Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs
Evidence location: February 5, 2026 statement: two years since sentence, seven years in custody and continuing advocacy.
- [3]
CNHRA-S-421546Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs
Evidence location: February 5, 2024 opening statement: suspended death sentence of Australian citizen Yang Jun and government response.