Cheng Lei, the Australian journalist who spent three years and two months in a Chinese prison, has spoken about her ordeal, describing the psychological torture and isolation she endured. Detained on spying charges, she was kept in solitary confinement for months, constantly watched by guards, and unable to hear the voices of her two children for years.
In her memoir, 'Cheng Lei: A Memoir of Freedom', she offers a frank and often humorous account of prison life, from the excruciating boredom to the lack of basic amenities. Inmates slept on wooden boards, toilet walls were made of glass, and toothpaste tubes had no caps. She recalls making a birthday sign for another prisoner, which was frowned upon by guards.
Cheng says she forced herself not to think about her children because it became too painful. She missed her daughter's first day of high school and cheering on her son at soccer. 'I didn't know if I'd ever see them again,' she said. Since returning to Australia in 2021 after diplomatic efforts, she has been catching up on lost time, describing herself as a 'newborn' adjusting to freedom.
Now 49, Cheng displays a quick wit and relaxed laugh, contrasting with the seriousness of her experience. She says her book provides insight into China's state security mindset, revealing how insecure the authorities are. She is slowly rebuilding her life in Melbourne, enjoying simple pleasures like bird songs and beach visits with her children.
