Despite witch-hunts, blacklists, and the arrest of scores of asylum seekers, over 700 asylum seekers remain on hunger strike.
Transfield and the Immigration Department have stepped up their witch-hunt against so-called ring-leaders. Two more asylum seekers were arrested in Mike Compound on Wednesday afternoon, as Transfield guards took the opportunity of the attempted hangings there, to put more security guards into the compound. They were accused of sending messages.
Ten community leaders in Foxtrot compound are on the blacklist.
There has been no running water in Foxtrot compound since Wednesday afternoon – bottled water is being used to wash and to try to flush toilets – see attached photos.
Punitive measures imposed by IHMS at the medical centre have also done nothing to break the protest. Two Somali asylum seekers who swallowed nail clippers were sent back to the compound without treatment. They have been left in such serious pain, that they are unable to walk.
The Manus Island hunger strike protest has prevented the proposed forced transfer of refugees to the unsafe temporary accommodation at Lorengau – the move that triggered the mass protest 10 days ago.
“The government’s crack down hasn’t worked. In fact it has increased the numbers on hunger strike. But it now has the opportunity to go back to the drawing board and discuss a safe third country option. It is worse than reckless to continue to pretend that there is a resettlement arrangement with PNG. Every day delayed puts more lives at risk,” said Ian Rintoul, spokesperson for the Refugee Action Coalition.
“Locking up asylum seekers for having mobile phones; and threatening to shut down communications on Manus Island shows just how much the government has to hide. The Immigration Minister was caught out over his claims that asylum seekers in Delta compound had home-made weapons.
“If Peter Dutton had any respect for the truth, he would resign.”
For more information, contact Ian Rintoul mob 0417 275 713
