Australian immigration detention centre conditions blamed for rioting
March 11 2010 by Liam Clifford
"Asylum seekers should not face charges for Christmas Island riot" claim Refugee Action Coalition.
There have been calls from a refugee support group to drop the charges relating to 11 asylum seekers involved in a riot at the Australian immigration detention centre - Christmas Island.
The incident which took place last November involved 150 men from the centre, the men deemed to be the main instigators are all Afghans and Tamils, and have been charged with possession of weapons and rioting.
The group called Refugee Action Coalition want the case, which began today at the Christmas Island magistrates’ court to be dropped.
Speaking of the case Coalition spokesman Ian Rintoul said; "There is nothing to be gained by pursuing these charges.
"It has nothing to do with justice and everything to do with the Government's domestic agenda of trying to show that they are tough on asylum seekers.
Mr Rintoul claims that the conditions at the centre are the real culprits and the events in November were indicative of the tensions, overcrowding and barbaric living arrangements detainees are faced with.
"Prisoners in mainstream jails would not be treated as badly as these detainees.” He said.
Australian immigration minister, Chris Evans, has said that those found guilty will be dealt with swiftly and have their applications for Australian visas denied.
See the latest Immigration News
