KUCHING, March 13 – An ABC Four Corners crew has been detained by Malaysian police after trying to question Prime Minister Najib Razak over a corruption scandal. Reporter Linton Besser and camera operator Louie Eroglu were detained in the city of Kuching last night, after approaching Najib on the street.
They were subsequently released without charge. Their passports were initially seized but have since been returned. They have been told not to leave the country. The program’s executive producer Sally Neighbour said on Twitter the arrest was related to the crew’s reporting of corruption allegations involving Najib.
According to the Malay Mail Online, the pair were arrested after they allegedly crossed a “security cordon”. In the meantime, the media outlet said police were investigating the incident under Section 186 of the Penal Code, which relates to obstructing a public servant.
Last week, leaders from across Malaysia’s political spectrum joined forces to call for the removal of the scandal-hit Prime Minister. Najib, 62, has been under fire for a year over allegations as much as $1.4 billion was deposited into his personal bank account. He has denied any wrongdoing.
