Morrison vows consular help for Ricketson
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says Australian filmmaker James Ricketson will receive any support possible from the government after being convicted of espionage.
Mr Ricketson, 69, was sentenced to six years in prison by three judges in Cambodia on Friday, 15 months after being detained for flying a drone without a permit over a political rally.
His family is seeking support from the Australian government to help put pressure on Cambodia to release him.
"He (Mr Ricketson) can expect to get all the consular and other support from the Australian government you would expect in these circumstances," Mr Morrison told reporters in Indonesia on Friday.
"As usual in these types of events it is best to deal with these things calmly and directly and in a way which best assists a citizen."
The family of Mr Ricketson insist he is not a spy and are concerned about his welfare, noting he has lost a lot of weight and has other health issues.
His nephew Bim Ricketson said the family was hoping for the best but have been left devastated by the verdict and lengthy jail term.
"There are no mattresses and, importantly, very little medical attention available. For someone who is sick and has a number of ailments, it is very challenging for him," he told reporters in Sydney.
"James is a filmmaker. He is a humanitarian. He cares deeply for the Cambodian people. Especially the poor people."
Foreign Minister Marise Payne said the government was considering what further support could be provided.
But she noted it was up to Mr Ricketson to consider his response using the avenues available to him under Cambodian law.
"This is a particularly stressful time for Mr Ricketson and his family and the Australian government continues to provide Mr Ricketson full consular assistance."
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