Last minute legal invention on Tuesday night (7 October) has stopped the removal of Chinese asylum seeker, “Ling”.
Ling was already at the Melbourne international airport after being taken from MITA detention centre by Border Force officers on Tuesday afternoon.
Border Force was forced to end the removal attempt after lawyers made them aware that Ling had made a protection claim.
“There is no excuse for Ling’s disgraceful treatment by Border Force, she has been put through an extremely traumatic experience for no reason. Her right to asylum was ignored”, said Ian Rintoul, “There must be a thorough investigation to prevent such a situation happening ever again.Â
“Ling made Border Force officers aware of her protection claim and made it known to them that she was making a protection claim. But she was ignored. That kind of contempt for refugee rights puts lives at risk.
“Border force was aware, the Minister’s office was aware, the detention management was informed; someone must be held to account. The detention management refused to contact Border Force or the MITA removals unit, saying that they just followed Border Force orders.
“Seeking asylum is a right.”
For more information contact Ian Rintoul 0417 275 713
