Chinese Authorities Block Access to Australian Detained on Suspicion of Espionage: Lawyers

By Philip Wen

BEIJING – Two lawyers representing the wife of an Australian man detained in Beijing on suspicion of espionage have claimed that Chinese authorities have refused them access to their client, citing the detainee’s alleged lack of consent to their appointment.

Yang Hengjun, a 53-year-old writer originally from China, was taken into custody last month in Guangzhou while awaiting a transfer to Shanghai after arriving from New York. He has since been moved to Beijing, where the local State Security Bureau is reportedly holding him under "coercive measures," a term that typically refers to detention, while he is investigated for allegedly "endangering state security."

One of the lawyers, Mo Shaoping, revealed that he was informed by the state security bureau that Yang did not authorize the appointment of lawyers selected by his family. However, the bureau denied Mo’s request to confirm this information directly with Yang.

"The main concern we have is whether this truly reflects Yang Hengjun’s wishes," said Shang Baojun, another lawyer in the case. They expressed hope for more clarity during the next visit by Australian consular officials.

China’s Ministry of State Security does not provide public contact information. The Foreign Ministry has not provided immediate comments on the situation but has previously stated that Yang’s rights and interests are being safeguarded according to the law.

Mo has indicated that Yang is suspected of espionage and is currently subject to "residential surveillance at a designated location."

This particular form of detention allows authorities to question suspects without the necessity of providing access to legal representation for up to six months. Human rights organizations have expressed concerns that the absence of oversight could lead to potential abuses during interrogation.