Top arrest hot spots for Australians abroad
While Australians detained in Iran have come under scrutiny lately, documents released to the Sunday Herald Sun reveal that Aussies found themselves in strife in 33 countries in 2017-2018.
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China, the US and Thailand were the main hot spots for more than 1300 Australians jailed or arrested overseas last year, federal government figures show.
While recent focus has been on Australians detained in Iran, documents released to the Sunday Herald Sun under freedom of information laws reveal that Aussies found themselves in strife in 33 countries in 2017-18.
Topping the list was the US with 241 cases, comprising 127 arrested and 114 held in immigration detention, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade data.
Thailand had 122 cases, with 91 Australians arrested and 31 detained, China had 113 cases (102 arrested and 11 detained) and United Arab Emirates had 95 cases (73 arrested and 22 detained).
Sydney writer Yang Hengjun was this year detained in China on spying accusations.
In August, Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne said the conditions in which Dr Yang was being held were “harsh”.
Dr Yang could not see his family or lawyers for seven months, but Chinese authorities said his case was being handled in accordance with the law.
Last week, Australian travel bloggers Jolie King and Mark Firkin were released from Iran after spending three months in jail for flying a drone near a military base.
Diplomatic efforts are continuing for the release of Melbourne University academic Kylie Moore-Gilbert, who has been in solitary confinement in Iran for nearly a year.
Australians facing trouble abroad receive consular assistance, including visits to prisons to monitor welfare, liaison with local authorities over their wellbeing, and are given lists of local lawyers and help communicating with relatives or other contacts.
Consular staff do not provide legal advice, intervene in legal cases or get Australians out of jail, with the same applying to foreign embassy officials in Australia.
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A DFAT spokesman encouraged Australians to check Smartraveller when they were planning to travel overseas.
“Travellers need to obey locals laws even if these appear harsh or unfair by Australian standards,” he said.
The Smartraveller website provides advice on what to do if an Australian is arrested or detained overseas, as well as country-specific advice on more than 170 destinations.
Other countries with significant numbers of Australians arrested or detained in 2017-18 include Japan (71), Philippines (61), Singapore (56) and Hong Kong (49).