Australian journalist faces trial in China

One and a half years After she was arrested Cheng Lee, an Australian journalist who worked for China’s state television, is being questioned in Beijing on Thursday (March 31). The Australian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Saturday that the date had been announced by the Chinese side. The prosecution alleges that it provided government secrets abroad. If convicted, the maximum sentence is life imprisonment Detention.

Australian Government Demanded that Process Basic Standards And adhere to practical honesty. “Serious concerns” about Cheng Li’s well-being and detention conditions were repeatedly raised. The Australian ambassadors last met him on March 21. The Australian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also demanded that diplomats be allowed to participate in the process in accordance with diplomatic agreements.

The 47-year-old Chinese-born news anchor, who worked for CGTN, China’s state – owned foreign broadcaster, was arrested on August 13, 2020. It was not until six months later that he was formally imprisoned on charges of betraying state secrets Detention Taken. He was arrested amid rising tensions between China and Australia. This led to accusations that Beijing wanted to put pressure on Canberra.

A month later, the last two Australian reporters in China were forced out Have to flee the country. Both Chinese officials are involved in a “state security case.” It’s Bill Birdles, studio boss of the ABC television network and “Australian financial reviewer” Mike Smith.

These events came amid growing problems for foreign journalists working in China. Hais Fan, a Chinese employee at Bloomberg’s Beijing Reporters Bureau, was arrested in December. Violations of national security were similarly talked about. Her fate is not clear to this day.