In a report by Australian Broadcasting Corp (ABC) News, Bishop said Australia’s High Commissioner here was in contact with ABC News reporter Linton Besser and cameraman Louis Eroglu, who have been told they must remain in the country until Attorney-General Mohamed Apandi Ali decides if they should face charges over their attempt to question Najib.
“I’m always concerned when there are instances of a crackdown on freedom of speech — in democracies particularly,” she said.
“I’m also concerned about the freedom that journalists have to carry out their work.”
Meanwhile ABC News director Gaven Morris has denied allegations that were made about Besser and Eroglu at the event in Kuching last Saturday night.
“I can tell you that at no time did our journalists obstruct or intend to obstruct any public servants in performance of their duties,” Morris said in a statement.
“They did not see a police line and do not believe they crossed one.
Besser and Eroglu were arrested after approaching Najib during his visit to a mosque in Kuching to question him on the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) issue.
Najib’s security detail sprang into action, surrounding the reporter and cameraman but allowed them to leave after questioning.
The pair were then re-arrested as they returned to their hotel, questioned in a police station for six hours and had their passports confiscated.
The local police chief said Besser and Eroglu crossed a security line and aggressively tried to approach Najib.
“They stopped filming and left the event as soon as they were asked. They fully cooperated with the police before and after their arrest,” said Morris.
“We are doing everything we can to resolve this situation as quickly as possible.”
Both were released without charge on Sunday, but have been told not to leave the country.
They have also had their passports returned.
ABC has been in contact with the pair and their families, and are said to be in good spirits and doing well.
Apandi Ali is expected to make a decision on Besser and Eroglu before Wednesday.