Australian Academic Arrested in Thailand Over Malaysian Defamation Suit
Retired Australian academic Murray Hunter, 66, has been arrested in Thailand over a defamation suit filed by Malaysia's MCMC. Hunter, who lives in Thailand and writes about Malaysian politics, was taken into custody on September 29 at Bangkok airport. He has since been released on bail, with his next court appearance scheduled for November 17, facing a potential two-year prison term.
The arrest highlights a growing trend of transnational repression in Southeast Asia, where governments target critics and activists abroad. Hunter's case follows a pattern of coordinated crackdowns, including the arrest of a Montagnard Indigenous activist in Thailand and the 'swap mart' of refugees and dissidents by Thai authorities. Hunter was accused of 'slanderous postings' in April 2024, with defamation charges filed against him in February 2025. His Substack page is blocked in Malaysia, and he has discussed the use of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP suits) to silence criticism. The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) and PEN Malaysia have questioned the justifiable use of law enforcement and taxpayers' money to pursue Hunter abroad.
Hunter's arrest has drawn attention to the issue of transnational repression and its impact on journalists and dissidents in the region. His next court appearance is scheduled for November 17, with a potential two-year prison term if found guilty. The case underscores the need for international attention and support for those targeted by repressive governments across borders.
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