Australian journalist Cheng Lei faced trial in China on Thursday having been held in detention for the past 19 months.
Australia’s ambassador to China, Graham Fletcher was refused entry to the trial, telling reporters outside he had “no confidence” in the secretive, closed-door process.
“This is deeply concerning, unsatisfactory and regrettable. We can have no confidence in the validity of the process which is conducted in secret,” Mr Fletcher said.
“Nevertheless, we will continue to advocate strongly for Ms Cheng Lei’s rights and interests.”
Ms Lei worked as a prominent business journalist for one of China’s state-run TV stations before being accused of selling state secrets in 2020.
Since then, the 46-year-old mother-of-two has had no contact with her children, who are staying with family in Melbourne.
Surrounded by a huddle of the world’s media, Mr Fletcher attempted to enter the court building in Beijing but was turned away at the entrance by court officials and police.
Mr Fletcher said the reason given for denying him entry were China’s laws regarding national security trials.
According to Mr Fletcher, that contravenes a consular agreement with China allowing two Australian officials to be present in the courtroom.
“We expect basic standards of justice, procedural fairness and humane treatment to be met, in accordance with international norms,” he said
Charges laid against Ms Lei are vague, presenting no opportunity for her many supporters to offer a defence.
“We have no information about the charges or allegations against Ms. Cheng. That is part of the reason we are so concerned,” xjmtzywMr Fletcher said.
Ms Lei’s family said they were informed of the trial and thanked Australian diplomats for their support in the matter.
“Her two children and elderly parents miss her immensely and sincerely hope to reunite with her as soon as possible,” a statement from the family said.
Ahead of the trial, Ms Lei’s lawyer told the ABC she was in good health and mentally in good spirits and had access to books donated by friends.
On Wednesday, a group of media industry representatives, including the International Federation of Journalists, of which Ms Lei is a member, called for her to be returned to Australia to see her family.
“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.
IFJ Asia Pacific Regional Director, Jane Worthington added, “We are extremely concerned at the Chinese government’s unstipulated allegations against Cheng Lei and the complete lack of transparency surrounding her detention over the past 19 months.
“The IFJ expresses our grave concern at Cheng Lei’s treatment and calls for all charges to be dropped immediately so she may return home to her family in Australia.”
