Australia concerned over journalists held in Malaysia

Australia today expressed concern on the fate of two of its journalists who were detained by Malaysian authorities last week when they tried to approach Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak at an event.

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said she is always concerned when there's a "crackdown on freedom of speech", especially in democratic countries, AFP reported.

She also expressed concern over "the freedom that journalists have to carry out their work", the report said.

She, however, said Australia's high commissioner (ambassador) in Malaysia have been in contact with the duo.

READ: Not obstructing journalists on duty, it's about PM's safety - Zahid

Last Saturday, reporter Linton Besser and camera operator Louie Eroglu from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation were detained by local police when they tried to approach Najib during his walkabout at Masjid Darul Ehsan Kampung Haji Baki in Kuching, Sarawak.

Sarawak CID chief Dev Kumar reportedly said the duo had allegedly crossed security lines and aggressively tried to reach Najib at the event.

It was reported that the two had wanted to question Najib on corruption allegations.

After an overnight detention at the Padawan police station, Besser and Eroglu were released on police bail but were barred from leaving Malaysia.

Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar had said the police would discuss with the Attorney General's Chambers to charge the duo for 'obstructing a public servant from obstructing his duty'.

However, according to AFP, ABC's director of news, Gaven Morris, reportedly said the journalists did not "obstruct or intend to obstruct any public servants in performance of their duties".

He also said the two "did not see a police line and do not believe they crossed one."