Following the death of an Iranian refugee last night, the immigration department has confirmed a “disturbance” broke out on Christmas Island, stating that they were “working with service providers” to try to resolve the situation, and that no injuries had occurred.
According to Refugee Action Coalition spokesman Ian Rintoul, a demonstration involving 200 people began at 11pm, with a smaller group damaging the centre, knocking down fences and walls. There were also fires started in some parts of the detention centre, with “extensive” fire damage to the canteen, medical centre and property area, and lesser damage in accommodation areas.
The guards retreated as the riot broke out, New Zealand Labour MP Kelvin Davis told ABC Radio. He cited that the cause of the riot was the assault of a detainee who asked about the death of detainee named by refugee groups as Fazel Chegeni.
One New Zealand detainee told TVNZ that the guards had abandoned the centre, though. “They’ve gone,” he said. “They’ve freaked out and left.” Meanwhile, another New Zealand detainee told Radio NZ that they were feared the guards would retaliate with “rubber bullets and tear gas”.
As of Monday morning, the centre is reported to be quiet, with detainees were outside together on the sports ground. “There’s safety in numbers and they want to be outside,” said Davis.
A spokesperson for the immigration department said that “the department is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for detainees, and maintaining the good order of detention facilities,” stating that any criminal offences would be referred to the police. “It would not be appropriate to make further detailed comments on matters that are subject to ongoing operations,” the statement concluded.
Regarding the death of the Iranian refugee, the immigration department said that “the cause of his death is not currently known and a report is being prepared for the coroner. The department will make further comments as events unfold through the day.”
Via The Guardian.
Image: Scott Fisher via Getty.
