All of the 183 refugees arrested on Nauru have been released – the last of them only on Friday afternoon, 6 March, 48 hours after their arrest.
While most have been given general bail notices that do not specify charges (see photo at bottom) or dates for court appearance, ten refugees have been bailed to appear in the District Court on 18 March on charges of “unlawful assembly”.
Harrowing stories of robbery, mistreatment and appalling jail conditions have emerged since the refugees’ release. No food was provided for the prisoners for 24 hours during their incarceration. In some cases the refugees were also without water for 24 hours.
In one of the cells at the Yaren police station, 22 male refugees were held in one cell with no toilet.
Police rob refugees
Nauruan police have also stolen mobile phones and hundreds of dollars from the property of those in custody. There are numerous allegations of heavy-handedness and beatings by police and threats against the refugees.
The Nauruan authorities are also guilty of collectively punishing refugee camps by cutting the power to the compounds since Wednesday night.
“Along with the Australian government, the Nauruan government stands condemned for its violation of the human rights of refugees. Almost 200 refugees were rounded up on Wednesday because they dared to protest against offshore processing and being denied a future,” said Ian Rintoul, spokesperson for the Refugee Action Coalition.
“The Nauruan government has allowed Australia to turn Nauru into a prison colony for refugees.”
Despite warnings from police not to protest, morale among the refugees is high – and the campaign of non-cooperation will continue.
At right is a photo of a protest against the arrests, 4 March, outside the Yaren police station. Some of the participants themselves were later arrested.
For more information contact Ian Rintoul 0417 275 713
