The Australian government has rejected the court ruling.

The country's government also demanded Turnell's release.

"The Australian Government rejects today’s court ruling in Myanmar against Australian Professor Sean Turnell and calls for his immediate release," read a statement issued by Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong.

"Professor Turnell was tried in a closed court. Australia’s Chargé d'Affaires and consular officials in Myanmar made every effort to attend the verdict but were denied access to the court," the statement said.

"The Australian Government has consistently rejected the charges against Professor Turnell during the more than 19 months he had been unjustly detained by the Myanmar military regime," the Minister said.

We will continue to take every opportunity to advocate strongly for Professor Turnell until he has returned to his family in Australia. We acknowledge the strong international support shown for him, including from our region," read her statement.

Thursday’s court ruling was the latest of a series of trials involving 77-year-old Nobel Laureate Suu Kyi, who now faces a total prison term of 23 years, reports CNN.