Detained Australian writer held in isolation without access to lawyer

Lawyers for detained Australian-Chinese writer Yang Henjun are still trying to visit their client following last Friday’s consular visit.

Detained Chinese-Australian writer Yang Hengjun is being held at an unknown location in Beijing under ‘residential surveillance’. Picture: AP

Lawyers for detained Australian-Chinese writer Yang Hengjun are still trying to visit their client following last Friday’s consular visit by an official from the Australian embassy in Beijing.

Mr Yang is being held at an unknown location in Beijing under “residential surveillance” on suspicion of “engaging in criminal activities that endangered China’s national security”. He was arrested at Guangzhou International Airport just over a week ago.

His lawyer, Mo Shaoping, said yesterday Mr Yang was reported to be in good physical condition by the embassy official who visited him.

He said he was also told the 53-year-old had access to a doctor and medical attention if he needed it, but he had received no indication of the chances of him being able to visit his client.

“We are applying to visit Yang as soon as possible,” Mr Mo said. He was not confident he would be allowed to see Mr Yang, given the allegations against him involved matters of national security.

Chinese authorities have not given any specific details on what Mr Yang may have done to warrant arrest.