Australian journalist Cheng Lei's detention in Beijing is on suspicion of putting China's national security at risk, the country's foreign ministry says. 9News
"As long as foreign journalists conduct news reporting in accordance with laws, they should have nothing to worry about."
The comments come after two Australian journalists — Bill Birtles from the ABC and Michael Smith from the Financial Review —with help from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade over fears they were no longer safe. Birtles and Smith had endured a daunting week facing possible detention in China. They were told they were being investigated in connection with Cheng.Only high-level diplomatic negotiations had lifted the threat of indefinite detention and secured safe passage home.Residential surveillance is detention without legal access and can last up to six months before a suspect is formally arrested or charged.
Cheng studied at Queensland University and began her career in finance in Australia, where she worked for corporations including Cadbury. Cheng's two young children remain in Melbourne and her family has released a statement after the news of her detainment to say they are urgently working with DFAT to secure her freedom.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Australian journalists Bill Birtles, Mike Smith forced out of ChinaTwo Australian journalists working in China have arrived in Sydney after a diplomatic standoff in which p[olice demanded demanded interviews with both the reporters.
Read more »
China says questioning of two Australian journalists who were rushed home was 'normal' law enforcementChina’s foreign ministry says police were following 'normal law enforcement' when they questioned two Australian journalists who were rushed out of the country over safety concerns.
Read more »
Two Australian journalists rushed out of China amid diplomatic standoffTwo Australian journalists working in China have been rushed out of China over concerns for their safety after police demanded interviews with both men.
Read more »
Australian anchor detained in China accused of 'endangering national securityDespite being held in detention since last month Chinese authorities do not know what they will charge Cheng Lei with, according Associate Professor Feng Chongyi.
Read more »
No journalists from Australian media left in China following diplomatic stand-offAustralia has lost a vital on-the-ground perspective on what is happening in China following the 'deeply disturbing' evacuation of the final two journalists from Australian media outlets in the country, an expert says.
Read more »
'Intimidating and unnecessary': Australian journalists arrive home after being rushed out of ChinaThe final two Australian correspondents working in China have been rushed out of the country after police demanded interviews from them, in a situation described as 'regrettable and disturbing'.
Read more »