Australia – ABC, July 16, 2026
Sitting in a filthy, cramped cell 8,000 kilometres from home, Australian businessman Matthew Radalj felt abandoned by his country.
It was a long way from Perth, where he grew up.
Official Chinese records show Mr Radalj was charged with robbery in early 2020 in Beijing. He was sentenced to four years behind bars.
But Mr Radalj, who was in China running an online business selling hoodies and T-shirts, said he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
He was arrested while trying to recover his stolen phone and later tortured into confessing to a crime he did not commit, he said.
Once detained, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) was his only lifeline to the outside world, but Mr Radalj said it did little to support his wellbeing, secure basic supplies, or keep his family informed.
Mr Radalj said he met Australian embassy staff only once during his first 10 months in detention as COVID-19 lockdowns severely restricted access.
