Australian writer Yang Hengjun fears he may die in a Chinese prison without proper medical attention for a troubling kidney condition.
Supporters of Yang said a large cyst on his kidney was causing him pain and urged the Australian government to intervene and secure medical parole for the writer.
Yang said he was frustrated that the truth wouldn’t be told if he died in prison.
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“If something happens with my health and I die in here, people outside won’t know the truth. That is frustrating. If something happens to me, who can speak for me?” he said in a statement issued via friends.
A spokeswoman for Foreign Minister Penny Wong said she shared the deep concerns of his family and friends about the ongoing delays with the case.
Officials from the Australian embassy visited the detained writer last week and have raised concerns about his health.
“The Australian government has consistently advocated for Dr Yang’s interests and wellbeing, and for him to be reunited with his family,” the spokeswoman said.
“His case has been raised at every opportunity with the Chinese government, including by the prime minister and foreign minister.
“The resumption of bilateral consular consultations with China last week provided another avenue to discuss his welfare.”
The spokeswoman said the government had called for basic standards of justice, procedural fairness and humane treatment including medical treatment.
Yang faced a closed trial, reportedly on espionage charges, in Beijing in May 2021 and continues to await a verdict.
The verdict’s due date has been extended for a further three months to October 9.
The doctor’s release remains one of the government’s highest priorities as it continues to make progress on the diplomatic relationship with China.
There are hopes that China’s new foreign minister will visit Australia by the end of the year after Wang Yi took over from Qin Gang in July.
Senator Wong raised the case with Wang in July.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is also set to visit China but no date has been announced.
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