Cheng Lei on surviving torture and her complicated love for China
The Briefing6 Juni 2025

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)

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @listnrnewsroom
Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Avsnitt(2623)

Why food costs are set to soar + Trump teases peace deal

Why food costs are set to soar + Trump teases peace deal

Deep Dive: Australia could see its food production halved within months in a nightmare scenario, brought about by the continuing war in Iran. What will it mean for putting food on your table? Farmers...

25 Mars 19min

MAFS expert dies from cancer + Why Albo isn’t banning gambling ads

MAFS expert dies from cancer + Why Albo isn’t banning gambling ads

Wednesday Headlines: Fuel shortages ramp up as diesel standards lowered Most Aussies want the Iran war to end and Pakistan tipped to lead peace talks ABC programs pulled as staff walk off the job Ma...

24 Mars 22min

TACO Trump strikes again + possibility of Covid style restrictions

TACO Trump strikes again + possibility of Covid style restrictions

The world was stunned but not surprised when US President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum to Iran over the weekend – open the Strait of Hormuz or Trump will order the US military to begin an unpreced...

24 Mars 16min

Iran says Trump deal is 'fake news' + Could Australia really be ‘One Nation’?

Iran says Trump deal is 'fake news' + Could Australia really be ‘One Nation’?

Tuesday Headlines: Trump postpones strikes on Iran’s power plants, says talks scheduled for today Multiple crises headed for Australia as Iran war continues Australia to sign free trade deal with EU...

23 Mars 24min

NSW Premier Chris Minns on fuel, Iran, One Nation and Donald Trump

NSW Premier Chris Minns on fuel, Iran, One Nation and Donald Trump

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by NSW Premier Chris Minns who speaks candidly about the challenges facing Australians and the challenges politicians face in an ever-changin...

23 Mars 31min

One Nation’s historic election result + Can NATO survive Trump?

One Nation’s historic election result + Can NATO survive Trump?

Monday Headlines: One Nation wins at least one lower house seat at SA election NT braces for flooding on the back of ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle Deadline looms for Iran to re-open strait of Hormuz A...

22 Mars 23min

BONUS: Shein under fire for selling child-like sex dolls

BONUS: Shein under fire for selling child-like sex dolls

Shein is back in the headlines, as a court in Paris considers whether the fast-fashion giant’s online platform should be suspended. The retailer has faced intense scrutiny after disturbing products in...

21 Mars 11min

Anthony Mundine: Money, Fame and Pauline Hanson

Anthony Mundine: Money, Fame and Pauline Hanson

Anthony Mundine has spent most of his life in the spotlight and by his own admission he's no stranger to danger. From the highest-paid player in the NRL to a world champion boxer, he's one of the most...

20 Mars 36min

Populärt inom Politik & nyheter

svenska-fall
p3-krim
aftonbladet-krim
spar
fordomspodden
rss-krimstad
flashback-forever
rss-vad-fan-hande
aftonbladet-daily
motiv
rss-sanning-konsekvens
krimmagasinet
politiken
rss-krimreportrarna
rss-frandfors-horna
kungligt
grans
rss-flodet
dagens-eko
sydsvenskan-dok