Новости иммиграции

The group of Afghan detainees who conducted the now-concluded protest outside the Northern Immigration Detention Centre (NIDC) in Darwin today will remain in the Northern Territory Police watch-house overnight.

The detainees broke through two sets of fences at the Northern Immigration Detention Centre (NIDC) shortly after 6.30am today to begin their roadside protest.

Despite lengthy negotiations involving police negotiators and interpreters to secure the detainees’ cooperation to return inside the centre, the group was transferred by police from the site to the watch-house.

Five detainees who had participated in the protest were earlier taken to hospital.

“The actions of the detainees in resolving this situation were unhelpful and will now become the subject of a police investigation,” a Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) spokesman said.

“Many opportunities were provided throughout the day for the men to return peacefully to their compounds inside the NIDC, but they were unwilling to cooperate, despite the patience shown by negotiators.

“NT Police, NT Ambulance, police negotiators and associated emergency services personnel, as well as the AFP provided a professional and thoroughly committed service throughout today’s incident and DIAC thanks them for their work," the spokesman said.

While none of the group of detainees are affected by the current suspension of protection visa claims processing announced on April 9, some of those in today’s protest group have already been told their protection claims were unsuccessful and others are awaiting the outcome of an independent merits review of their unsuccessful protection claims.

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