China: CFWIJ condemns the arrest of Australian journalist Cheng Lei

February 8, 2021, Beijing: The Chinese government has officially arrested journalist Cheng Lei after almost six months of detention on charges of  "illegally supplying state secrets overseas". Australian Foreign Minister, Marise Payne assures everyone that her office is in touch with the Chinese authorities and the Australian consulates in China regarding the matter.

After almost half a year of holding her under a form of detention that refuses access to a lawyer, the Chinese police officially arrested CGTN television anchor earlier in the day. The Chinese authorities informed the Australian government last week that a formal investigation against the journalist will now begin. Here is the report we did on her detention.

According to Payne, the accusations against Cheng Lei are “broad” and there is no way to tell how long the investigations are to continue. However, she has received multiple consular visits from Australian representatives, who have been assured of her humane treatment abiding by international law by the Chinese government. Payne mentioned that she is seeking advice regarding the claims levelled against Cheng Lei, when asked if she believes them to be baseless. 

The vagueness of the allegations against her has raised concerns. According to Associate Professor Feng Chongyi from the University of Technology Sydney, the broad scope of the charges means that authorities can keep her under custody even as they decide which charge they plan to lay on her. 

The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns the actions of the Chinese authorities. Holding an individual in custody without providing them access to a lawyer or informing them about the formal charges against them is a breach of their right to freedom. No state should be allowed to exercise such power over their citizens.