Australian PM urges China to free jailed journalist
The Straits Times|August 13, 2023
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called on Saturday for China to release jailed Australian journalist Cheng Lei, saying he was worried about her condition after three years behind bars.
Australian PM urges China to free jailed journalist

SYDNEY - Cheng has described her bleak prison conditions in a note dictated to Australian officials from her cell, saying she misses trees and sunlight, but "most of all I miss my children".

The message was shared with Australian news outlets and on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, by Cheng's partner, Mr Nick Coyle, on Thursday.

Asked if he was concerned about her welfare, Mr Albanese said: "I certainly am, and Ms Cheng should be released. This is three years too long."

During a visit to Queensland, he told reporters: "Ms Cheng Lei is an Australian citizen. She is someone who does not deserve this treatment."

This story is from the August 13, 2023 edition of The Straits Times.

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This story is from the August 13, 2023 edition of The Straits Times.

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