The Refugee Action Coalition has serious concerns for the welfare of an Iraqi hunger striker on Manus Island.
The 31 year-old man has been on hunger strike for 53 days and has lost 19 kgs. He can no longer walk and is transported in a wheel chair.
“We are extremely concerned at the mistreatment he has received at the hands of Wilson security guards,” said Ian Rintoul, spokesperson for the Refugee Action Coalition.
“He was held in isolation for two days from Saturday to Monday with the air-conditioner turned down – a technique that comes straight from the Guantanamo Bay torture manual.”
“We believe that such techniques are being used to try to break his hunger strike and to force him to eat and drink. It seems that such torture techniques are being sanctioned by IHMS, the detention medical provider. His treatment and his detention are gross violations of his human rights.
“The scene is being set for yet another tragedy on Manus Island. Immigration, Transfield and IHMS have a duty of care for the asylum seekers but they are complicit in his torture.”
For more information contact Ian Rintoul 0417 275 713. For photographs contact Jeanie Walker 0414 534 917
