ID :
172203
Thu, 03/31/2011 - 13:48
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/172203
The shortlink copeid
Island detainees' claims untrue, says govt
SYDNEY, March 31 (AAP)- Claims by asylum seekers suspected of rioting on Christmas Island that they are not receiving legal representation or adequate medical care are baseless, the federal government says.
Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young says she had received a letter signed by 100 distressed detainees suspected of involvement in riots at the island's detention centre, who claim to have been "locked up" in isolation for two weeks.
The group claim they are innocent, have not committed any crime and have been denied access to legal representation after buildings and tents at the centre were torched.
Australian Federal Police riot officers used tear gas and "bean-bag bullets" to quell some rock-throwing rioters at the Northwest Point immigration detention centre, coinciding with a mass breakout.
Senator Hanson-Young said she spoke to one of the men in detention and was distressed by what she heard.
"He told me of another man who was shot in the face by a synthetic bullet," she said.
"I have also received a letter about another who has been denied access to specialist medical treatment."
A spokeswoman for Immigration Minister Chris Bowen said "these claims are untrue".
"We take very seriously our duty of care to all people in detention," the spokeswoman said.
"Detainees are provided with any ongoing medical care they may require, including mental health care.
"The department has not restricted access to legal representatives or agents at any time."
Legal representation is organised at the department's cost when detainees request access to legal representation.
An investigation into the riots is underway and the federal government has previously said police and the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions would determine if any charges were laid.
Senator Hanson-Young said that with the potential for charges to be laid, legal representation for detainees was crucial.
It seemed the detainees were being detained in a legal black hole where they are denied basic protections, Senator Hanson-Young said.
"This is further evidence of the shambles Christmas Island has become."
A Department of Immigration and Citizenship spokesman said he could not go into operational detail about the number of detainees in isolation.
He said the department was continuing to take its duty of care seriously to all people in detention.
"The department ensures client's human rights are not compromised.
"The department ensures everyone receives the medical care they need including mental health care and that food and water is available at times."
Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young says she had received a letter signed by 100 distressed detainees suspected of involvement in riots at the island's detention centre, who claim to have been "locked up" in isolation for two weeks.
The group claim they are innocent, have not committed any crime and have been denied access to legal representation after buildings and tents at the centre were torched.
Australian Federal Police riot officers used tear gas and "bean-bag bullets" to quell some rock-throwing rioters at the Northwest Point immigration detention centre, coinciding with a mass breakout.
Senator Hanson-Young said she spoke to one of the men in detention and was distressed by what she heard.
"He told me of another man who was shot in the face by a synthetic bullet," she said.
"I have also received a letter about another who has been denied access to specialist medical treatment."
A spokeswoman for Immigration Minister Chris Bowen said "these claims are untrue".
"We take very seriously our duty of care to all people in detention," the spokeswoman said.
"Detainees are provided with any ongoing medical care they may require, including mental health care.
"The department has not restricted access to legal representatives or agents at any time."
Legal representation is organised at the department's cost when detainees request access to legal representation.
An investigation into the riots is underway and the federal government has previously said police and the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions would determine if any charges were laid.
Senator Hanson-Young said that with the potential for charges to be laid, legal representation for detainees was crucial.
It seemed the detainees were being detained in a legal black hole where they are denied basic protections, Senator Hanson-Young said.
"This is further evidence of the shambles Christmas Island has become."
A Department of Immigration and Citizenship spokesman said he could not go into operational detail about the number of detainees in isolation.
He said the department was continuing to take its duty of care seriously to all people in detention.
"The department ensures client's human rights are not compromised.
"The department ensures everyone receives the medical care they need including mental health care and that food and water is available at times."
