Cheng Lei on surviving torture and her complicated love for China

Cheng Lei was detained by the Chinese Government back in 2020, accused of espionage and of leaking state secrets to foreign organisations.

The Australian journalist, born in China, spent years in detention with no trial, no access to her children and no lawyer - including over six months in solitary confinement.

Lei was eventually forced to plead guilty to trumped-up charges, but in late 2023 she was released with the help of the Australian Government.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Lei shares the brutal conditions she was held under, why she still holds love for China and takes us inside her new memoir, Cheng Lei.

Weekend list with Helen Smith

• TO LISTEN: Good Hang with Amy Poehler
• TO READ: The Eyes of Gaza: A Diary of Resilience by Plestia Alaqad
• TO EAT: Sweet potato halloumi fritters
• TO EAT: Kreenuts (Helen also taste tested and approved)

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