Ron Corben
April 27, 2011 - 9:49PM
AAPAustralian publisher Ross Dunkley, facing immigration and assault charges in Burma, remains "optimistic" the charges will be overturned despite facing further delays in his court hearing, a senior associate says.
Dunkley, 55, publisher of the Rangoon-based Myanmar Times, was arrested on February 10 at his home in the commercial capital of Rangoon and remained in prison until he was released on March 29 on $11,800 bail.
He's charged with assaulting and administering drugs to a Burmese woman plus immigration offences.
But his case has faced recent delays with the past two hearings adjourned soon after starting.
The judge at the Kamayut Township Court on Wednesday again adjourned the hearing, just as Dunkley's lawyers were to present defence witnesses.
Legal sources said the case was scheduled to be heard on May 6.
Dunkley, Australian mining magnate Bill Clough and Bangkok-based Post Media hold a 49 per cent stake in Myanmar Consolidated Media, publisher of English and Burmese language versions of The Myanmar Times and Burmese language magazines.
Mr Clough is acting managing director and editor-in-chief of the English language version of the paper.
The remaining 51 per cent of the shares are held by Burmese national Dr Tin Htun Oo, who is also the publishing company's CEO.
David Armstrong, chairman of Post Media, said Dunkley remained optimistic of overturning the charges despite growing frustrations in the judicial delays.
"My comment is Ross' comment: We remain optimistic and, as ever, we're convinced that he is not guilty of these charges," Mr Armstrong told AAP.
Dunkley also oversaw publication of the Cambodia-based Phnom Penh Post which he bought in 2008.
© 2011 AAP
