Ebadi said she was surprised that the usually outspoken Tutu had kept silent on the issue.

Many usually outspoken government critics have become reluctant to speak to diplomats, journalists or other foreign contacts.

The usually outspoken senator has been almost absent from airwaves since a controversial investigation into her party aired on the ABC last week.

The usually outspoken Charney, who has been the target of sexual harassment lawsuits, told Reuters on Thursday he was not yet ready to speak publicly.