News

Cheng Lei, imprisoned Australian journalist, reveals harsh prison conditions

Published

2 years ago

August 11, 2023

Australian journalist Cheng Lei, who has been incarcerated in China for the past three years, has shared her first public statement detailing the challenging conditions of her imprisonment.

In a letter dictated to an Australian consular official in Beijing and passed on to her partner, Nick Coyle, Cheng Lei addresses the Australian public directly, expressing her yearning for the sun and nature of Australia, which she sorely misses during her incarceration.

“I miss the sun. In my cell, the sunlight shines through the window, but I can stand in it for only 10 hours a year,” she writes.

Cheng Lei, who was working as a broadcast journalist for Chinese state-owned media CGTN, was arrested on August 13, 2020, on charges of “supplying state secrets overseas,” a claim she denies. She has been held under Residential Surveillance at a Dedicated Facility (RSDF), a form of detention that restricts detainees’ contact with the outside world.

In her message, Cheng Lei reflects on her life in Australia and the memories she cherishes, contrasting them with the stark reality of her prison experience. She shares her yearning for the Australian people, the diverse landscapes, and even the humor that she associates with her Australian upbringing.

International attention

Cheng Lei’s case has garnered international attention, with concerns raised about her treatment and the allegations against her. Her partner, Nick Coyle, reveals that she has been able to correspond with her children and parents through letters since leaving the RSDF system. However, the toll of separation from her family is evident in her words.

The Australian government has advocated for Cheng Lei’s rights and humane treatment in accordance with international norms. The Chinese Embassy in Canberra stressed that China adheres to the rule of law and is willing to provide assistance within the bounds of legal provisions.

Cheng Lei’s case highlights the complexities of diplomatic relations between China and Australia, with hopes that a resolution will lead to improved bilateral engagement.

News

Greenland says “No” to U.S. takeover — Chooses Denmark in geopolitical showdown

Greenland’s PM chooses Denmark over U.S. amid Trump’s controversy over Arctic control, emphasizing sovereignty and local sentiment.

Published

18 hours ago

January 14, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Greenland’s PM chooses Denmark over U.S. amid Trump’s controversy over Arctic control, emphasizing sovereignty and local sentiment.

Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens‑Frederik Nielsen has delivered a clear message amid renewed pressure from the U.S. — if forced to choose between the United States and Denmark, Greenland will pick Denmark, NATO, and the EU.

Nielsen made the declaration in Copenhagen alongside Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen ahead of diplomatic talks with top U.S. officials.

The announcement comes as U.S. President Donald Trump has again stoked controversy by suggesting Washington could pursue ownership or control of Greenland, citing strategic interests in the Arctic. European leaders and Greenlandic officials have pushed back strongly against these ideas, emphasising sovereignty and respect for international law.

This standoff places Greenland’s future in the spotlight — as Copenhagen and Nuuk reaffirm their ties, local sentiment remains overwhelmingly opposed to U.S. annexation and supportive of Greenland’s own path forward.

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#Greenland #Trump #Denmark #ArcticPolitics #NATO #Geopolitics #InternationalRelations

News

Trump promises aid amid Iran unrest

Trump urges Americans in Iran to evacuate amidst escalating protests and vows support for protesters seeking freedom.

Published

18 hours ago

January 14, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Trump urges Americans in Iran to evacuate amidst escalating protests and vows support for protesters seeking freedom.

President Trump has called on Americans in Iran to evacuate as tensions escalate following the government’s violent crackdown on antigovernment protesters. He has ruled out negotiations and encouraged protesters to continue their efforts, hinting that aid could be on the way.

The unrest in Iran has reportedly resulted in over 2,000 deaths, including both protesters and security forces. U.S. officials are reportedly weighing various responses, from sanctions to potential military options, though no immediate action has been confirmed.

Trump delivered a direct message to the people of Iran, emphasising support for their push for freedom and safety amid the growing crisis.

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#IranProtests #Trump #USPolitics #MiddleEastCrisis #HumanRights #EvacuationAlert #GlobalNews #TickerNews

News

Trump escalates pressure on the Federal Reserve with Powell probe

Trump administration investigates Fed Chair Powell, raising concerns over political pressure on monetary policy and economic stability.

Published

2 days ago

January 13, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Trump administration investigates Fed Chair Powell, raising concerns over political pressure on monetary policy and economic stability.

The Trump administration has launched a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, dramatically escalating tensions between the White House and the central bank.

The probe centres on Powell’s testimony over a controversial renovation of the Federal Reserve’s headquarters, raising alarm over whether political pressure is being applied to monetary policy decisions.

The move has sparked fierce debate in Washington, with critics warning it could undermine investor confidence and destabilise economic expectations.

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#FederalReserve #JeromePowell #DonaldTrump #USPolitics #MonetaryPolicy #Markets #Inflation #TickerNews