Fires could be seen in Blue and Green compounds inside the Christmas Island detention centre last night (Saturday 9 January), amid reports that protests had erupted again and Serco and ABF were attempting to re-take control of those compounds.
Serco has been recruiting extra guards (with ERT, ie riot control, experience) from mainland detention centres since they lost control of Blue and Green compounds on 5 January.
There were reports from Blue and Green compounds last night that tear gas was being used against protesters, who were again on the roofs of the compounds.
The protests were also being fuelled by broken promises from Border Force and the Federal police to restore wi-fi communication and provide medications for the people in Blue and Green compounds.
Protesters have had control of Blue and Green compounds since 5 January. While food was delivered to the compounds, promises by Federal police negotiators to provide medication had not been fulfilled.
They have been demanding fundamental changes to their treatment on Christmas Island; access to the green heart, and an end to being locked down 22 hours a day; an adequate wi-fi connection that would allow them to communicate readily with family, and legal support; access to their individual property; the price of cigarettes; and the lack of recreational activities.
There are at least 62 refugees whose visas have been cancelled under s501 of the Migration Act among the around 250 people being held on Christmas Island.
“There needs to be a full independent inquiry into the conditions on Christmas Island,” said Ian Rintoul, spokesperson for the Refugee Action Coalition, “It is inhumane to cut these people off from contact with family and legal support. Many are suffering from all the problems created by long term detention. The government is holding people in far worse conditions than the prison system.
“Christmas Island has long been the Devil’s Island of Australia detention regime. It should be closed.”
For more information contact Ian Rintoul 0417 275 713,
