Australia – Sky News, May 17, 2025
From fainting episodes to painful work in the prison factory, a spokesman for jailed Australian writer Dr Yang Hengjun has shone a light on what life is like for him behind bars.
As I type this at my desk in the autumn sunshine, I imagine Dr Yang writing his open letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, hunched over the edge of the prison bed, with his precious pen (only allowed at specific hours), weary from the factory work he has to endure, and self-conscious that his handwriting is wobbly because he is so weak.
In contrast to his message of strength and positivity, even with the cloud of a suspended death sentence hanging over him.
“I feel all of your support beside me as I stagger through the hardest and darkest chapter of my life, allowing me to immerse in the warmth of humanity,” he wrote.
“It has helped me to understand the value of words and deeds of a government of the people, by the people, for the people – to enable me to fully understand the true meaning of being an Australian citizen.”
The letter, dated January 10, has just been given the greenlight to be published by Dr Yang’s representatives.
It thanks the Prime Minister for advocating for him, the Foreign Minister for her letter, as well as others who have not forgotten his plight.
“At this moment of seeing out the old year and bringing in the new, on the sixth anniversary of my imprisonment, I really want to show how grateful I am to you and everyone who is caring for and supporting me,” Dr Yang wrote.
“I have written millions of words over my career but I can’t find the words to properly express my heartfelt gratitude and feeling.
“Your Excellency, respected Prime Minister, you have repeatedly conveyed your grave concerns about my case and deteriorating health to China’s paramount leader. You have advocated for me in all ways you can, and also provided practical help to me and my family, along with spiritual support.
