Friends of Sean Turnell, the Australian academic detained in Myanmar, say they're concerned for his safety

The last time Tim Harcourt spoke to his friend Sean Turnell he urged him to get out of Myanmar as soon as possible, just after a military coup had overthrown the country's leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Key points: Sean Turnell was being interviewed on the BBC when he was taken into custody Friends say he is an optimistic person, but they are worried about the conditions he is being held in He worked as an adviser to Aung San Suu Kyi "Look mate, you've got to get out of there," Mr Harcourt told his friend. Senator Payne called for the Australian's "immediate release" and said Australia's military cooperation with Myanmar was "under review" after the coup. "Australia registered during the meeting its deep concern about the coup in Myanmar and reiterated the Foreign Minister's call on the Myanmar military to respect the rule of law, resolve disputes through lawful mechanisms, and release immediately all civilian leaders who have been detained unlawfully," a spokesperson told the ABC in a statement. Mr Lamb said Professor Turnell was "apolitical" and "humble" and was very dedicated to his work.