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Journalist groups call for release of Chinese-Australian TV reporter Cheng Lei
- The former CGTN presenter has been charged with spying and will go on trial on Thursday
- Australia has expressed concern about Cheng’s welfare after she spent 19 months in detention
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Journalist groups have renewed calls for the release of Chinese-Australian business reporter Cheng Lei on the eve of her trial in Beijing on espionage charges.
Formerly a leading presenter for state-owned China Global Television Network, Cheng has been held for 19 months on suspicion of relaying state secrets abroad.
It is not clear if Australian diplomats who have asked to attend her trial will be permitted to do so.
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In a joint statement, Australia’s Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance, the International Federation of Journalists, the Australian National Press Club and its US counterpart said Cheng was being held on “dubious charges that have yet to be substantiated with any evidence”.
“We have urged the Chinese government to show compassion by allowing her to return to Australia and we condemn her arbitrary detention and the secretive trial process she has endured,” the statement said.
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Australia has raised concern about Cheng’s welfare and detention conditions. The county’s diplomats last visited her on March 21.
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