Sean Turnell, Australian Economist was charged with breaking a colonial-era law known as the “official Secrets Act” after the defeat of Aung San Suu Kyi, for whom Turnell served as a consultant. Australian government has called for his release. His father is dying of cancer and Turnell wants to be with him. Additionally, remaining confined opens Turnell to COVID as other prisoners have contracted the virus.
July 31, 2021
Dr Thida Oo
Union Attorney General Office
No. 25 Nay Pyi Taw,
Republic of the Union of Myanmar
Fax: + 95 67 404106
Email: ago.h.o@mptmail.net.mm
Dear Dr Oo,
The Committee of Concerned Scientists (“CCS”) is an independent organization of scientists, physicians, engineers and scholars devoted to the protection and advancement of human rights and scientific freedom for colleagues all over the world. For almost 50 years CCS has been helping persecuted scholars overcome injustice and return to their academic work.
We are writing to inquire into the status of Sean Turnell, an Australian Economist and advisor to Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been charged in Myanmar with breaking a colonial-era law known as “The Official Secrets Act.” The Australian government has called his detention “arbitrary” and is seeking his release.
He is currently detained in Insein Prison where the Delta variant of COVID-19 is reportedly spreading rapidly. He is not vaccinated and is at extremely high risk of contracting the disease. In addition, his father in Australia has been diagnosed with cancer and reportedly does not have long to live.
We understand that that there has been an order to release some prisoners detained prior to February 1 due to the dangers of the pandemic. Though he was arrested after February 1, we urge you, on humanitarian grounds, to release Sean Turnell from prison and allow him to return to Australia so that he can attend to his health and that of his father.
We also write to echo the plea of his wife, Hu Va, who has suggested that if he cannot be repatriated to Australia, that he at least be released from the dangers of Insein Prison and allowed to await trial under house arrest.
Thank you for your attention to this very important matter and we look forward to a response from you shortly.
Sincerely,
Joel L. Lebowitz, Paul H. Plotz, Walter Reich, Eugene M. Chudnovsky, Alexander Greer
Co-Chairs, Committee of Concerned Scientists
Cc:
Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Armed Forces
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing
Ministry of Defense, Office 24
Nay Pyi Taw
Republic of the Union of Myanmar
Fax: +95 (0) 67404299
The Honorable Scott Morrison
Prime Minister of Australia
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600