Norwegian government intervenes in case of Yimin Dong imprisoned in China

Bjørn Wikne expressed a cautious sense of relief after the Norwegian government intervened in the case of his wife, Yimin Dong, who has been imprisoned in China for over six and a half years. Currently suffering from severe health issues, Dong, a Norwegian citizen, was sentenced to 13 years in prison for smuggling Norwegian salmon into China. This conviction occurred after her arrest in March 2018 while on a business trip.

Throughout her decade-long career selling salmon, Dong worked closely with SalMar, Norway’s leading aquaculture firm. Her arrest was influenced by diplomatic tensions between Norway and China, following the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to a Chinese dissident.

The recent government action comes on the heels of Dong’s deteriorating health condition, prompting authorities to request her transfer to Norway to serve the remainder of her sentence. The Justice and Public Security Ministry confirmed that the Cabinet had processed her application for transfer and found adequate grounds to recommend her relocation.

Jørgen Wikne, Bjørn and Yimin’s son, recounted his shock during a recent visit to his mother in prison, where she was reportedly unrecognizable due to her serious health decline, including paralysis in her limbs. He expressed his fears regarding her wellbeing, stating he sometimes worried that she might not survive her imprisonment.

Following an operation at a prison hospital in August, the matter was further discussed within the Norwegian government. It was noted that if convicted under similar circumstances in Norway, Dong’s prison term would likely have been significantly shorter. Bjørn Wikne remains hopeful for a resolution to the situation but maintains a cautious outlook as the family awaits developments.