China-based Aussie journalist Cheng Lei’s one-day trial was held in Beijing yesterday, 19 months after being detained and accused of providing state secrets to foreigners. The former anchor of the Chinese Government’s English-language TV channel CGTM will receive her verdict and sentence down the track. Commentators say she’ll likely be found guilty because China has a 99% conviction rate in criminal trials, and a jail sentence could be between 5-10 years. Yesterday was her first court appearance since she was detained in August 2020, but the court was closed to our diplomats. “This is deeply concerning, unsatisfactory and regrettable,” said Graham Fletcher, Oz’s Ambassador to China. Ahead of the trial, Cheng’s lawyer said she’s in good physical and mental health. Her 12yo daughter and 10yo son are being cared for by family in Melbourne, and they “miss her immensely,” a spokeswoman said yesterday.