Cheng Lei, an Australian journalist, appears to have been separated from her husband. Keep reading to learn more about Cheng Lei, who is now on trial in Beijing.
After more than 19 months in jail, Australian journalist Cheng Lei was set to stand trial in a Beijing court on Thursday (Mar 31) on national secrets accusations.
Before being imprisoned in August 2020, Cheng worked as a television anchor for Chinese official broadcaster CGTN. she was reportedly detained a year ago on charges of unlawfully leaking state secrets overseas.
Australian Journalist Cheng Lei’s Husband Details
Cheng Lei, an Australian journalist, is said to be married. Several rumors, however, claimed that Lei and her husband had split up.
Lei also has two children with her spouse, the names and identities of whom have yet to be revealed to the public.
Furthermore, her husband has remained silent about her detention. Cheng’s family, on the other hand, has stated that they believe she is innocent.
Besides, Cheng was born in China and came to Australia with her folks as a kid.
She eventually moved to China, where she began her broadcast career in 2003 with CNBC and later became a popular financial news presenter for China’s English-language CGTN in 2012.
Cheng Lei Detention And Trial Update 2022
Cheng Lei’s first court appearance and trial since being imprisoned in 2020 are today (March 31).
Notwithstanding the charges leveled against her, Cheng is certain to be found guilty because China’s felony conviction rate exceeds 99 percent, as per News.
As per reports, her accused offense is assisting foreign organizations or persons with intelligence or state secrets. There is no minimum punishment for this crime, which normally entails a sentence of five to ten years in prison.
Given that she has already served 19 months in prison if the charge is found to be minor, she might be freed soon after the sentence is handed down.
Serious offenses, on the other hand, carry a potential penalty of life in prison.
Does Cheng Lei Have Children?
Cheng Lei is the mother of two children, a son, and a daughter. Similarly, following her incarceration, her children were cared for by her Melbourne-based family.
Furthermore, it’s unclear if Lei was able to communicate with her 12-year-old daughter and 10-year-old son throughout her 19-month incarceration.
According to Lei’s family statement, her two children and elderly parents miss her terribly and truly want to see her again soon.