SYDNEY: In a passionate appeal for justice and compassion, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called upon China to release imprisoned Australian journalist Cheng Lei, expressing deep concerns about her well-being after spending three years in jail.
Cheng Lei’s bleak prison conditions have been brought to light through a heartfelt message she dictated to Australian officials from her cell. In the note, Cheng expresses her longing for the simple joys of nature, such as trees and sunlight, and laments the profound void left by her separation from her children.
Australia PM Asks Beijing to Free Jailed Reporter
Cheng’s partner, Nick Coyle, shared her poignant message on various Australian news outlets and the social media platform X, sparking renewed attention to her case.
Prime Minister Albanese voiced his distress over Cheng Lei’s situation, emphasizing the urgency of her release. He firmly stated, “Cheng Lei is an Australian citizen who does not deserve this treatment,” during his remarks to reporters in Queensland.
Albanese highlighted the Australian government’s persistent efforts to secure Cheng’s freedom at the highest diplomatic levels, pledging to continue advocating for her release during any engagements between Australia and China. Stressing the importance of respecting her human rights, he called for Cheng’s case to be treated with the fairness and justice that every Australian citizen deserves.
Despite the ongoing diplomatic challenges between Australia and China, the Australian Prime Minister refrained from making Cheng’s release a precondition for his potential visit to China. He emphasized the principle that diplomatic visits should not be driven by transactional motives but rather by a commitment to open dialogue and understanding.
Cheng Lei, a former anchor for China Global Television Network (CGTN), has been detained since August 2020 and officially arrested in February 2021. She faces charges of “supplying state secrets overseas,” yet the specific details of her alleged offence remain undisclosed.
Her detention occurred during a period of heightened tensions between Australia and China, prompting concerns that her arrest might be politically motivated. China’s foreign ministry affirmed that her case is being handled as per law, asserting that her legal rights are being fully upheld.
