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'We reject charges': Wong on jailed Aussie

By AAP Newswire

Sep 30, 2022

Australian Professor Sean Turnell — Australia 'completely rejects' Mayanmar's charges against Professor Sean Turnell : Wong -EPA

Foreign Minister Penny Wong says her government "completely" rejects the charges laid against AustralianÂ Professor Sean Turnell who's been jailed in Myanmar.

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The 58-year-old Sydney economist was sentenced to three years' jail earlier this week, accused of violating Myanmar's official state secrets act.

Prof Turnell was working in Myanmar as an adviser to ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi, but was arrested in 2021 after the nation's military seized power in a coup.

Senator Wong said the government knew where he was being detained and sought access to the court for Prof Turnell's sentencing, but that bid was "disappointingly and regrettably" denied by Myanmar's authorities.

"We reject completely the charges against him and Australia will continue to advocate for all channels public and private for his return to Australia," she told reporters in Adelaide.

"We will continue to take every opportunity to advocate strongly for him until he is returned to his family in Australia."

Senator Wong said she would not discuss the "private details" of the case.

Prof Turnell's trial was held in a closed military court in the capital Naypyidaw, with Australian officials and media banned from attending.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press