Prosecutor withdraws charge against one of three alleged Chinese spies
A charge of reckless foreign interference against one of three alleged Chinese nationals has been withdrawn, while charges continue against two others.
On September 30, a prosecutor asked the ACT Magistrates Court to withdraw a foreign interference charge against a 26-year-old man. The case against him is now discontinued.
Two other defendants remain charged: Siru Zheng, 32, and a woman, 38. Both have pleaded not guilty.
All three are Chinese nationals. They were accused of spying on Guan Yin Citta, a Buddhist group banned in China.
Police allege they worked together under direction from a Chinese public security bureau. Their job was to gather information about the group, which China views as a threat.
The magistrate granted an adjournment to allow more material to be served. The magistrate awarded costs to the defendants for the delay.
The case returns in December.
- 26 years old
- Defendant age
- Siru Zheng, 32, and woman, 38
- Remaining defendants
- Guan Yin Citta, Canberra branch
- Target organisation
- ACT Magistrates Court
- Court location
Why it mattersA charge being dropped reflects the difficulty in proving espionage allegations and may foreshadow problems the prosecution faces with the remaining cases.
AustraliaForeign interference cases against Chinese nationals are progressing slowly through Australian courts, raising questions about evidence and prosecution strategy.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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