My email backed up over the weekend and I've only just seen this. The asylum seeker being forcibly deported could possibly be my penfriend. I'll have to try to find out more. [ETA: Last Thursday,
Green Left Weekly reported on a
forcible removal from the Baxter detention centre. From their information I think it's not my friend, but some other poor devil. But it's clear this is going to continue.]
___
RACNSW MEDIA RELEASE
October 15th, 2004
Government moves to deport Iranian asylum seekers
Refugee supporters were making last minute efforts to prevent the deportation of an Iranian asylum seeker. The Iranian man has been in detention for three and a half years, in Woomera and then Baxter.
According to souces at Baxter detention centre the Iranian man was taken by guards without warning around 3.00pm Thursday afternoon. It was expected that the government would try to deport the man through Perth on Thursday night.
Friends and refugee supporters hold serious fears for the man’s safety if he is returned to Iran.
"It has only taken three days for the Howard government to reveal its real refugee policy," said Ian Rintoul spokesperson for the Refugee Action Coalition. "The move to deport the Iranian man has made a mockery of the compassionate mask the government put on for the election."
"The government knows that there are grave consequences are for asylum seekers returned to Iran. They are routinely detained for interrogation and face floggings and worse just for fleeing Iran. Iranian asylum seekers have disappeared at the hands of the authorities after being deported to Iran," he said.
"The appalling human rights record of the Iranian government is well known. There are thousands of political prisoners held in Iranian jails. The regime still practices public executions and amputations, yet the government is willing to deport asylum seekers into danger."
Fears are now held that the government will try to depoprt other long term Iranian asylum seekers being held in Baxter.
"The government uses deportation to promote fear among asylum seekers to try and coerce them into being returned. The government is trying to solve its problem with the detention centres by playing with the lives of asylum seekers," Rintoul said.
The refugee movement has been quick to respond to the Howard election victory and a refugee protest "Convergence on Canberra" has been called for the first sitting day of the new Parliament on 16 November.
"We don't believe the government has mandate for indefinite detention or human rights abuse," said Ian Rintoul.
For more information contact Ian Rintoul 0417 275 713
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