The Australian authorities is anxious a few backflip from Myanmar’s junta, which is now looking for to annul the amnesty given to an Australian professor.
Professor Sean Turnell arrived in Australia on the finish of final 12 months after being locked up within the Southeast Asian nation for 650 days after the navy took management in a 2021 coup.
However the junta is now revoking his amnesty and desires him to return to face court docket.
The Australian Division of Overseas Affairs referred to as in Myanmar’s Chargé d’Affaires to convey Australia’s concern on the backflip.
“The federal government is deeply involved that Myanmar authorities have annulled Professor Turnell’s amnesty and issued a subpoena for him to look in a Myanmar court docket,” a division spokesperson mentioned.
The 58-year-old economist labored as an adviser to ousted Myanmar chief Aung San Suu Kyi and was sentenced to 3 years in jail for “violating the nation’s official state secrets and techniques act”.
It is a cost the Australian authorities has at all times rejected.
“The Australian authorities by no means accepted the premise of Professor Turnell’s detention, nor the costs towards him,” the spokesperson mentioned.
“We’re upset that he’s now being requested to reply for an undefined offense following his launch from detention.”
Australia doesn’t have an extradition treaty with Myanmar.
Prof Turnell was freed in November underneath an amnesty protecting near 6000 prisoners to rejoice Myanmar’s Nationwide Victory Day.
He was warmly welcomed by Australia’s parliament in December after he returned dwelling and mentioned he nonetheless wished to return to Myanmar to assist the individuals.
– AAP
