Rob Stary on ABC's AM program "Criticism of Government's 'soft' approach to detained couple in China"
Yesterday, AM reported that Yuan Xiaoliang, the wife of detained Australian writer and democracy advocate Yang Hengjun, had been detained and questioned by Chinese police and prevented from leaving the country on the weekend.
This morning, more details are emerging about the lengths lawyers and friends have gone to, in seeking their protection.
Australian officials were asked if they could provide consular assistance and escort Mrs Yuan to the airport or even back to Australia, but those requests were denied.
The ABC understands Australia doesn't have the right to offer her consular assistance, while Mrs Yuan is a permanent resident of Australia, she is not an Australian citizen.
Mrs Yuan's Australian based lawyer, Rob Stary, argues more can and should be done to help her.
