The Manus siege was tightened another notch this afternoon, (Friday 10 November) when PNG police and immigration officers entered Oscar and Delta compounds of the Manus detention, and began emptying the tanks and turning over the water bins being used by the refugees to collected the rain water that has kept the refugees alive the last 10 days.
The officers are also systematically removing tents that the refugees have used for cooking and for sleeping outside to avoid the unbearable heat. More perimeter fencing is being removed leaving the refugees even more exposed to possible attack.
“Everyone in the tropics knows how precious water is and how quickly dehydration can become a serious medical issue. Denied water and with medical help sometimes delayed for hours, refugee lives are being put at risk,” said Ian Rintoul, spokesperson for the Refugee Action Coalition.
“We are again calling for the immigration minister to end the siege and restore food, water and services.
“This afternoon’s action on Manus makes Peter Dutton’s appearance at the lavish fundraising dinner at Redfern tonight even more disgusting.
“Dutton is kidding himself if he thinks anti-refugee brutality can save the Turnbull government. The siege on Manus, the gratuitous use of state power against defenceless individuals symbolises everything that sees the government relentlessly sink in the opinion polls.”
Protest Dutton and Abbott, “End The Siege; Permanent Protection; Bring them Here”, Australian Technology Park, 6pm, Friday 10 November. Speakers include: Nathan Moran (CEO of Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council); Lee Rhiannon, NSW Greens Senator, ex Nauru Save the Children worker; Rita Mallia CFMEU president NSW Construction Division ; Shannen Potter, Vice President of Young Labor NSW, Lily Matchett, Stop Adani Campaign.
For more information contact Ian Rintoul 0417 275 713
