An Australian academic and former economic adviser to deposed Burmese leader Aung San Suu Kyi has testified in a closed military court for the first time this week.
Sean Turnell was on trial for violating Burma’s official secrets law, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 14 years. He had been detained for 18 months since the military ousted Suu Kyi’s elected government on Feb. 1, 2021.
Turnell has testified for the first time and pleaded not guilty. But further details on his trial were unavailable as his lawyers were barred from discussing the case.
Australian Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles expressed concern at the case’ handling but was unable to provide details regarding the consular assistance provided to Turnell….