Australians unjustly detained overseas

  • Statement

At this time when so many Australians are affected by the global challenges arising from COVID-19, I am also concerned in particular for the health, safety and wellbeing of Australians unjustly detained overseas and those who continue to be held in detention despite a compelling humanitarian case for furlough or the remission of their sentences.

Prison conditions in the context of the pandemic are of concern to Australia. My Department and I have made multiple, high-level, strong diplomatic representations on such cases, including Dr Kylie Moore-Gilbert in Iran and Dr Hengjun Yang in China.

We will continue to advocate strongly for them, and others in unjust detention or with humanitarian cases for clemency, and to ensure they are treated humanely and in accordance with international standards.

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