Wife of Chinese ex-Interpol chief seeks asylum in France: reports

The wife of the former Chinese Interpol chief being held in his home country on corruption charges has applied for asylum in France, media reports said Friday.

Grace Meng has remained in the French city of Lyon, the site of Interpol's headquarters, since her husband Meng Hongwei disappeared -- and was later revealed to have been arrested -- while visiting China in September.

She told Franceinfo radio and the Liberation newspaper that she fears for her life and that of their twin sons, despite being under French police protection.

"I need the French government to protect me, to assist me, to help me and my children," she said.

"I am afraid of being kidnapped."