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ABC crew will not be charged in Malaysia ABC journalists leave Malaysia after no charges brought
(about 9 hours later)
Members of an ABC news crew detained in Malaysia after trying to question the prime minister about a corruption scandal will not be charged. Members of an ABC news crew detained in Malaysia after trying to question the prime minister about a corruption scandal will not be charged and have left the country.
The ABC had reported that Four Corners reporter Linton Bresser and camera operator Louie Eroglu were likely to be charged with obstructing a public servant in the discharge of their duties. The ABC had reported that Four Corners reporter Linton Bresser and camera operator Louie Eroglu were likely to be charged with obstructing a public servant in the discharge of their duties in the city of Kuching.
But the broadcaster said on Tuesday the men’s lawyer was called by police and told no charges would be filed. But the broadcaster said on Tuesday that the pair had left the country after the men’s lawyer was called by police and told no charges would be filed.
ABC news director Gaven Morris told staff on Tuesday: “I’m very glad and relieved to be able to confirm that our colleagues Linton Besser and Louie Eroglu are now on a plane out of Malaysia. It was a rollercoaster night, with the Malaysian police first informing Louie and Linton they would be charged this morning, then a few hours later reversing that and telling them they would be allowed to leave the country.
“Linton and Louie are continuing their work, investigating the story they are working on for Four Corners. We look forward to seeing their full report in coming weeks. They will be home later this week.
“The ABC stands behind our journalists. They did nothing wrong in Kuching. They were doing journalism. This incident has demonstrated again why it is vital to defend media freedom, including the right to question authority.”
Exit #4Corners pic.twitter.com/dmYWGPn2rM
The pair were detained on Saturday when they tried to question prime minister Najib Razak about allegations that more than US$1bn was deposited into his personal bank account, were then released and told not to leave the country.The pair were detained on Saturday when they tried to question prime minister Najib Razak about allegations that more than US$1bn was deposited into his personal bank account, were then released and told not to leave the country.
They had faced a charge under Section 186 of the Malaysian penal code, which carries a maximum penalty of a 10,000 ringgit ($A3,000) fine and a two-year jail term, the ABC reported.They had faced a charge under Section 186 of the Malaysian penal code, which carries a maximum penalty of a 10,000 ringgit ($A3,000) fine and a two-year jail term, the ABC reported.
Foreign affairs minister Julie Bishop said on Monday the Australian government was making representations to Malaysia about the pair.Foreign affairs minister Julie Bishop said on Monday the Australian government was making representations to Malaysia about the pair.