Interview with Cheng Lei on Sky News Australia – In her first interview since arriving home after more than three years imprisoned in China, Australian journalist Cheng Lei speaks with Sky News Washington Correspondent Annelise Nielsen for a special report airing tomorrow at 7:00pm during The Bolt Report.
Lei was an anchor on China’s state broadcaster CGTN, until she was detained in August 2020 and accused of illegally supplying state secrets overseas.
Her capture wasn’t known publicly for days, until her worried partner visited her apartment to find her computers and passport were gone, and immediately alerted officials.
Amidst the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lei’s arrest impacted escalating tensions between Australia and China, and raised questions about the conditions of detainment in China.
Now, ahead of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s upcoming visit to Beijing, the 48-year-old mother of two has been released and returned to Australia.
In a powerful and emotional interview Lei reveals details of her harrowing three-year incarceration and how she stayed positive. She describes her “free at last moment” and the experience of being reunited with her children and mother upon landing In Melbourne.
Annelise Neilsen is a former colleague of Lei’s, who has actively advocated and campaigned for her release for the past three years.
The First Interview with Cheng Lei – The Bolt Report – Tuesday 17 October at 7.00pm AEDT on Sky News Australia. Watch on Foxtel and Sky News Regional or Stream on Flash
Media Release – Sky News Australia
Interview with Cheng Lei on Sky News Australia
TV Central Sky News Australia content HERE
