INTERVIEW: Friends 'despair' as Dr Yang Hengjun decides not to appeal

Yang Hengjun, left, and his wife Yuan Xiaoliang Source: AAP / Chongyi Feng/AP

Australian writer Dr Yang Hengjun has decided not to appeal the suspended death sentance imposed by a Chinese court. He will face life imprisonment at the end of the two year suspended death sentence. He was found guilty of espionage charges which his family say were without basis. They are supporting his decision not to appeal, as going through another legal challenge would delay necessary medical care and be detrimental to his health. But his friend, fellow academic Chongyi Feng told SBS's Pablo Vinales he saddened by the decision, as he believes Dr Yang had solid grounds to appeal against his conviction.

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In this interview:

Dr Yang's close friend Chongyi Feng says he's sad that no appeal will go ahead as he believes it has a strong basis,
He says Dr Yang is very strong intellectually and very capable which is why he has maintained his innocence under pressure.
He says his health has deteriorated significantly while in prison over the last five years.
He says because of the strong trade relationship between Australia and China, he is urging the Australian government to appeal to the Chinese government to consider granting Dr Yang medical parole, so he could return to Australia for treatment.