Australian Blogger on Trial in China Worried Political Tensions May Impact Outcome

Australian Blogger on Trial in China Worried Political Tensions May Impact Outcome
People walk past one of the entrances of Beijing No. 2 Intermediate People's Court where Australian writer Yang Hengjun is expected to face trial on espionage charges, in Beijing, China, on May 27, 2021. Carlos Garcia Rawlins/Reuters, File Photo
Reuters
Updated:

SYDNEY—Australian blogger Yang Hengjun, who is facing trial in Beijing for alleged espionage charges, has asked the judge to exclude evidence obtained during interrogations in which he says he was tortured, according to a message conveyed to family and friends.

In his first comments since Thursday’s court hearing, which was closed to family and Australian consular officials because China says it involved state secrets, Yang also expressed concern that geopolitical tensions may influence the outcome of his trial.