Asylum seekers in Mike compound on Manus Island have raised the alarm as Wilson Security guards removed two of their central representatives and another asylum seeker from the Mike Compound.
The three people are also witnesses to the attack on Mike Compound on the 17 February, the night that Reza Berati was murdered.
The action by Wilson Security seems to be in response to routine complaints about problems with access and the use of phones and the internet.
Guards have refused to say where the three asylum seekers have been taken. Ominously, Wilson guards told other asylum seekers in Mike Compound that, “They won’t be coming back.”
Efforts by the asylum seekers to get answers from Transfield and the Immigration Department on Manus Island are continuing into the night of Monday, 14 July.
Transfield has been attempting, for months, to re-introduce local PNG staff, many of who were involved in the February attacks, into the detention centre. That move has been so far blocked by the asylum seekers themselves.
Refugee advocates fear that the removal of Mike compound representatives may be the start of a concerted effort by Transfield to bring back local PNG staff.
“These two asylum seeker representatives in particular have been in danger since the attack on the 17th,” said Ian Rintoul, spokesperson for the Refugee Action Coalition, “Transfield, some PNG locals and the PNG police would like them out of the way.”
“They are people who have requested witness protection but protection has been denied. Outside of the detention centre, they will be in danger. If they have been handed to the police, as some detainees fear, they could be in grave danger of being harmed.
“The safety of the three asylum seekers lies with Scott Morrison. The Immigration Department must give an immediate guarantee of their safety and that they will be immediately returned to Mike Compound or brought to Australia.”
For more information contact Ian Rintoul mob 0417 275 713
