The Morrison government is calling for the release of an Australian academic detained in Myanmar following a coup.
Sean Turnell, an economics advisor to overthrown leader Aung San Suu Kyi, was detained at the weekend by police.
Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne is waiting for more information from Australia’s ambassadors in Myanmar, after Professor Turnell had been given consular support.
Senator Payne said the government had raised the issue with Myanmar’s ambassador to Australia.
“We will continue to do that and press strongly for Professor Turnell’s release,” she told reporters in Sydney on Monday.
“Our ambassador and embassy had been engaging with him. I don’t think it is helpful to go into the precise details of the circumstances, particularly third hand from me, but certainly we were endeavouring to provide that support to him and to a number of others.”
Senator Payne says the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is supporting other Australians in Myanmar.
“We want to ensure that they are as safe as possible,” she said.
Professor Turnell was doing a media interview when Myanmar authorities came to his door.
He sent a message to the Reuters news agency just as he said he was being detained.
“I guess you will soon hear of it, but I am being detained. [I’m] being charged with something, but not sure what. I am fine and strong, and not guilty of anything,” he said.
Professor Turnell has been living in Myanmar’s capital, Naypyidaw, since 2017, working as the director of the Myanmar Development Institute.
He had earlier posted on social media, thanking people for getting in touch to ensure his safety following the coup.
“Thanks everyone for your concern yesterday. Safe for now but heartbroken for what all this means for the people of Myanmar,” he wrote in a message on Twitter.
Protests have grown in Myanmar as opposition to the coup grows increasingly bold.
Labor and the Greens are calling on the Morrison government to review Australia’s defence co-operation with Myanmar after the military seized power.
But there are fears the move could push the country into deeper engagement with China and undermine regional stability.
Australia has a defence training program with Myanmar worth about $1.5 million over five years.
Senator Payne refused to speculate on sanctions against Myanmar, but said Australia’s military ties with the country were under review.
A defence spokesman last week said the department regularly reviewed its co-operation programs and activities.
