Prominent Australian journalist Cheng Lei was released on Tuesday by Chinese authorities and reunited with her family in Australia, after being detained in China since August 2020.
Lei was formally arrested in 2021 following allegations by Chinese officials that she had been illegally supplying Chinese state secrets overseas while working as a news anchor for CGTN, the Chinese Government’s English-language television channel.
Reveling in Lei’s return, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong confirmed her return and subsequent reunion with her family. The Australian Government had been pursuing Lei’s return since her detainment in August 2020. Her return, as per Wong, is not just a momentous occasion for her family and friends, but for all Australians.
The Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also met with Lei in Melbourne to welcome her back to Australia.
Nonetheless, Lei’s case isn’t an isolated incident. In fact, she is one of the several Australian citizens who have been or are being detained by China under the country’s residential detention laws.
While the outcome of Lei’s trial in China is yet unknown, the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs stated that all legal processes in China relating to Lei’s case have been completed.
For the full report, visit JURIST – News.