Australian Journalist's Heartfelt Letter from Detention in China

Cheng Lei Expresses Yearning for Home and Family

Australian journalist Cheng Lei, who has been detained in China on charges related to national security, has shared her emotional experience through a heartfelt letter, shedding light on her conditions in custody. Cheng, formerly a business television anchor for Chinese state television, was arrested in August 2020 over allegations of sharing state secrets with another country. Her poignant letter, often referred to as a "love letter to 25 million people," was dictated to consular staff during a visit and later released by her partner.

Sunlight and Memories in Captivity

In her letter, Cheng painted a vivid picture of her life behind bars. She revealed that she is allowed to stand in sunlight for only 10 hours a year. The rays of sunlight streaming through her cell window serve as a rare connection to the outside world. The absence of trees for the past three years has led her to relive cherished memories of nature, from bushwalks to serene rivers and beaches. Cheng even confessed to mouthing the names of places she has visited, a quiet tribute to her longing for freedom. Her description of the simple joy of warm prison bedding after it's aired in the sun portrays her yearning for comfort and a sense of family.

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A Mother's Longing and a Nation's Hope

Cheng's letter poignantly ends with a powerful sentiment: "Most of all, I miss my children." This poignant expression underscores the profound toll her separation from her 11 and 14-year-old children has taken. While Cheng faces an uncertain fate in detention, her thoughts are firmly fixed on her family's well-being and her yearning to be reunited with them. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong acknowledged Cheng's emotional message, emphasizing the journalist's deep love for her homeland. Wong emphasized that all Australians share the hope of Cheng's safe return and the need for her to be treated justly and humanely.

Global Call for Justice

Cheng Lei's detention has captured global attention, with many urging her release and advocating for fair treatment. Her heartfelt letter provides a rare glimpse into her life behind bars, giving a human face to the broader tensions between nations. Her story resonates not just as a personal struggle but as a call for justice, fairness, and compassion. As the international community rallies behind her, the hope remains that her situation will be resolved with the dignity and respect she deserves, allowing her to embrace her children and the life she cherishes.

Cheng Lei's letter has touched the hearts of millions, reminding us all of the power of compassion and the importance of upholding basic human rights even in the midst of political disputes.

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