Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong has called for the immediate release of Australian academic Sean Turnell who is facing charges of breaking the Official Secrets Act in Myanmar.
Ms Wong’s statement came after a court in Myanmar ruled Thursday that prosecutors presented sufficient evidence against ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi, Mr Turnell and three other defendants to continue their trial on charges of violating the official secrets law.
The exact details of Mr Turnell’s alleged offense and those of the others have not been made public, though Myanmar state television, citing government statements, has said the Australian academic had access to “secret state financial information” and had tried to flee the country, reports AP.
Mr Turnell is also being prosecuted under the immigration law, which carries a punishment of six months to five years' imprisonment. Prosecutions under the immigration law are common for foreigners being held for other offenses, according to AP.
A legal official who is familiar with Turnell’s case said he and his co-defendants were formally indicted Thursday, allowing their trial to continue. He spoke to AP news service on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to release information.
Australian FM Wong said the Australian Government rejects this week’s court ruling in Myanmar against Australian Professor Sean Turnell.
“It is more than sixteen months since Professor Turnell was detained by the Myanmar military.
“He remains imprisoned in Myanmar, and we continue to call for his immediate release.
“Professor Turnell has worked for Myanmar’s economic development for many years and is internationally respected for this record.
“We will continue to advocate for Professor Turnell’s interests and well-being and will not stop until he is safely back with his family,” she said.
Analysts suspect Mr Turnell’s case is a crucial part of the prosecution case against former State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi. While it is normal for foreign economic advisors working with governments around the world to hold important government information and data, it appears the Myanmar authorities are seeking to use an outdated British Colonial law to charge their political enemies, primarily Aung San Suu Kyi.
