(UTV|COLOMBO) – Chinese-Australian writer Yang Hengjun has been formally arrested on espionage charges in China, Australian officials have confirmed.
The Australian citizen has been held in Beijing since January under “harsh conditions”, said the foreign ministry.
Foreign Minister Marise Payne said Australia was “very concerned and disappointed” to learn of the arrest.
“We have serious concerns for Dr Yang’s welfare, and about the conditions under which he is being been held,” she said.
Australia has repeatedly urged China to release Dr Yang, who had been held without charge for more than seven months.
He was formally charged on 23 August, Ms Payne said.
“If Dr Yang is being held for his political beliefs, he should be released,” Ms Payne said in a strongly worded statement on Tuesday. (BBC)
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