KUALA LUMPUR, March 13 ― A reporter and cameraman with ABC News were detained yesterday for breaching a security cordon in a bid to question the prime minister, according to Sarawak police today.
ABC News declined to identify the reporter arrested, but another Australian news outlet, The Age, reported that the journalist is believed to be Linton Besser who is attached to the ABC Four Corners programme.
"They have not been charged with any offence," an ABC spokesperson was quoted as saying by The Age today.
According to Sarawak police, the duo were arrested after they allegedly crossed a security cordon to try and interview Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak in Kota Sentosa there yesterday.
An officer with the prime minister’s security detail described the crew’s approach as “aggressive” in the report he later lodged against them
“The incident occurred at about 8.35 pm. Both of them were subsequently arrested for failing to comply with police instructions not to cross the security line,” SAC Dev Kumar, the head of the Sarawak police’s Criminal Investigation Department, said in a statement today.
“Both subjects were released on police bail this morning after their statements were recorded.”
The case is being investigated under Section 186 of the Penal Code that pertains to the obstruction a public servant in the discharge of his duties.
Both journalists were reportedly held for six hours before they were released. It is unclear if they will be deported.
