The partner of Cheng Lei, a Chinese-Australian journalist, detained in China for almost two years, has raised concerns about Cheng’s declining health and the suspension of consular visits.
Nick Coyle, the outgoing CEO of the Australian China Chamber of Commerce, revealed that monthly consular visits and regular 30-minute video meetings between his partner Cheng and Australian officials have been suspended due to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)’s tight COVID-19 restrictions.
“I find that just totally unacceptable,” Coyle told Sky News Australia. “These monthly consular visits have literally been what’s kept her going for 20 months.”
“She’s been able to make no phone calls with anybody. She’s had maybe three visits from her lawyer, just to prepare for the trial.”…