Chinese-Australian writer Yang Hengjun, who disappeared at the weekend in China, is being held under “residential surveillance”, according to Australia’s defence minister Christopher Pyne. Residential surveillance is a form of secret detention often used against Chinese activists that could mean months without access to a lawyer or contact with family. Pyne, speaking in Beijing on Thursday, confirmed Yang was being held by Chinese authorities.
“He is being held in residential surveillance,” said Pyne. “We would describe it as home detention. As Mr Yang doesn’t have a home in Beijing, he is being held in a similar situation, as opposed to being held in a prison.” Pyne said Yang was likely being held in Beijing.
“He is being held in residential surveillance,” said Pyne. “We would describe it as home detention. As Mr Yang doesn’t have a home in Beijing, he is being held in a similar situation, as opposed to being held in a prison.” Pyne said Yang was likely being held in Beijing.
