Cheng Lei: Australian journalist on trial in China for spy chargeon March 31, 2022 at 4:23 am

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

A Beijing court is holding a closed-door hearing for former CGTN journalist Cheng Lei.

Cheng Lei

Image source, Getty Images

A Beijing court is holding a closed-door trial for Australian journalist and former TV anchor Cheng Lei, in a high-profile diplomatic case.

Ms Cheng is accused of illegally supplying state secrets overseas. Her family maintains she is innocent.

The Chinese-born Australian was working for Chinese state media outlet CGTN prior to her detention in August 2020.

Canberra has repeatedly raised concerns over her detention and has called for “basic standards of justice” to be met.

Little is known about the exact nature of Ms Cheng’s alleged offences.

Speaking to reporters outside of the courtroom on Thursday, Australia’s ambassador to China Graham Fletcher said he and other Australian officials had been denied entry into the hearing. Chinese courts often bar outsiders from trials deemed as politically sensitive.

“This is deeply concerning, unsatisfactory and regrettable. We can have no confidence in the validity of the process which is conducted in secret,” he said, adding that Australia would continue to “advocate strongly for Ms Cheng Lei’s rights and interests”.

Ms Cheng, who was previously reported to have suffered ill health while in detention, was now “doing okay” considering the circumstances, said Mr Fletcher. Ms Cheng’s lawyer had also told Australian media that she was in good health and good spirits.

Mr Fletcher added that Australia has requested that Ms Cheng be allowed to speak to her children.

“They haven’t had any contact with their mother since the detention,” he said.

A family statement released to Reuters on Wednesday said her children and elderly parents “miss her immensely and sincerely hope to reunite with her as soon as possible.”

Wiped off screens

Prior to her detention, Ms Cheng had worked in Beijing for several years. Many of her family members, including her two young children, live in Australia.

In August 2020, she suddenly disappeared from television and could not be contacted by friends or relatives. Her employer, CGTN – the English-language channel of the state broadcaster – also wiped its websites of Ms Cheng’s profile page and work.

China initially announced she was being held on national security grounds, and in February last year authorities formally arrested Ms Cheng on spying charges. Her family have said they have no idea why she had been detained.

Australia said its representatives had been able to visit her once a month – in line with the bilateral consular agreement with China.

Relations between Australia and China have deteriorated in recent years, leading to diplomatic and trade ructions.

Analysts say this has made it harder for Australian authorities to negotiate with Beijing over their citizens’ release.

Beijing has arrested or expelled a number of journalists in recent times. Shortly after Ms Cheng’s arrest, the last two Australian media correspondents in China fled the country following consular advice.

Another China-born Australian citizen, writer Yang Hengjun, has also been in detention in China for three years. He denies espionage charges, and is said to now be in ill health.

- Advertisement -

Discover

Sponsor

Latest

Covid-19: Debunking the latest wave of medical misinformationon April 10, 2021 at 11:39 pm

A round-up of the latest false and misleading posts about Covid-19 going viral on social mediaA round-up of the latest false and misleading posts...

Mother cat and kittens found in Amersham bird’s nest in treeon May 18, 2021 at 10:12 am

The clan, including three kittens, is discovered after a week of searching by rescuers.image copyrightCat Protection/PAA cat has been found living in an old...

The Papers: Abramovich poisoning and first Partygate fineson March 28, 2022 at 11:10 pm

The alleged chemical poisoning of the Russian tycoon and fines for Downing Street parties lead the papers.

Brianna Ghey: Boy and girl charged with village park killingon February 15, 2023 at 8:39 am

Two 15-year-olds have been charged with the murder of the 16-year-old who was stabbed in Warrington.A boy and a girl, both aged 15, have...

Kenya to investigate ‘sex for work’ exposed in BBC tea documentaryon February 21, 2023 at 7:24 pm

Parliament orders an inquiry after dozens of women speak of abuse on British-operated tea farms.This video can not be playedTo play this video you...