[ad_1]
SydneyRelatives of an Australian economic adviser to deposed Myanmar civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi say they are “dismayed” by his arrest in the wake of a military coup.
Macquarie University professor Sean Turnell (pix, right) was the first confirmed foreign national to be arrested by the new military junta, which took power last week after detaining Suu Kyi and other senior members of its National League for Democracy (NLD).
In a statement released by Australia’s foreign affairs department on Monday night, the family said they were “distraught” that Turnell had been detained.
“He is a practical economist who has used and will always use his knowledge and experience for a good cause,” the statement said.
“Myanmar is a country he has fallen in love with, and through his work and for him for more than two decades, he brought jobs, investment and hope to many of the poorest people without thinking of rewards or concerns for their own. . advantage.”
His wife, who posted the same message on Facebook, called for Turnell’s immediate release.
“He is warm and caring, generous and always thinks of others before himself,” the statement said.
“Even now, wherever he is confined, we know that his thoughts and concerns are with those who care about him.”
Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said Monday that the government would continue to “push hard” for Turnell’s release after she summoned the Myanmar ambassador on the case.
He said the country was “deeply concerned” by the situation in Myanmar and was providing consular assistance to several Australians. – AFP
[ad_2]
