The Australian Government Urges The Release Of Citizens Of Nationals Detained By The Myanmar Military

Profesor Sean Turnell (Facebook/Thabyay Education Foundation)

JAKARTA - The Australian government and his family continue to press for the immediate release of Professor Sean Turnell, the only foreigner detained by the Myanmar military after the February 1 coup.

On 11 February, the Australian Embassy in Yangon held a zoom meeting call with Turnell, an economist from Macquarie University, Australia who is an economic advisor to Myanmar Leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Likewise, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade continues to try to pressure Myanmar through regular consular access to keep in touch with Professor Sean Turnell, while ensuring that its rights are fulfilled.

Meanwhile, Vice Chief of the Defense Force of Australia Vice Admiral David Johnston held a video conference last Monday with Senior Deputy General Soe Win. On this occasion, Johnston repeatedly called for Turnell's release.

David Johnston also expressed Australia's deep concern over the situation in Myanmar. He also said that the use of lethal force or violence against peaceful protesters was unacceptable, "said the Australian Government representative as quoted by The Irrawaddy.

"He also urged the Myanmar military to refrain from violence against civilians, restore democracy and free all civilian leaders," the statement continued.

The family who requested Sean Turnell's release last week did not yet know the whereabouts of the only foreign prisoner in this military coup.

"We haven't heard anything, his whereabouts are still a mystery since February 11," said his wife Ha Vu.

"Nonetheless, the fact that he was treated well, and I hope he is even now treated well, gives me the comfort to go through each day in the best way I can," he added.

The family hired lawyer U Than Zaw Aung to accompany Turnell. However, until now the lawyer is also not aware of Turnell's whereabouts, nor of the charges against him.