An Australian economist detained by Myanmar’s junta has pleaded not guilty to breaching the colonial-era official secrets act, a source close to the case said.
Sean Turnell (pic) was working as an adviser to Myanmar’s civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi when he was detained shortly after the coup that ousted her government in February last year.
He faces up to 14 years in jail if found guilty.
Turnell “testified in court yesterday ... He pleaded not guilty,” said the source yesterday.
Since seizing power, Myanmar’s military government has detained thousands of pro-democracy protesters, with many facing charges that rights groups have decried as politically motivated.
The exact details of Turnell’s alleged offence have not been made public, although state television has said he had access to “secret state financial information” and had tried to flee the country.
In June, his trial was shifted to a special court inside a prison compound in the capital Naypyidaw.
Journalists have been barred from proceedings in the junta court and defence lawyers have been slapped with a gag order banning them from talking to the media. — AFP
