Journalist detained in China denied chance to speak to family, partner says

Cheng Lei, a Chinese-born Australian journalist (AP)

The Australian partner of a journalist who has been detained in China for nearly two years said she is being denied the chance to speak with her family and consular staff, and fears her health is declining due to a poor prison diet.

Journalist Cheng Lei, an Australian who was born in China, was detained in August 2020 on suspicion of sharing state secrets.