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Eyewitnesses to death of Reza Barati apply for protection in Australia Witnesses to death of Reza Barati apply for protection in Australia
(2 days later)
Five eyewitnesses to the death of Iranian asylum seeker Reza Barati during unrest at Manus Island detention centre have applied for protective custody in Australia, saying they fear for their safety in Papua New Guinea. Five witnesses to the death of Iranian asylum seeker Reza Barati during unrest at Manus Island detention centre have applied for protective custody in Australia, saying they fear for their safety in Papua New Guinea.
Guardian Australia has been told by sources on Manus that PNG police have started interviewing asylum seekers who witnessed the violence on the night of 17 February when Barati, 23, was killed.Guardian Australia has been told by sources on Manus that PNG police have started interviewing asylum seekers who witnessed the violence on the night of 17 February when Barati, 23, was killed.
But five witnesses claim they have received death threats and that neither the PNG government nor the Australian government can ensure their safety. They are being represented by barrister Jay Williams.But five witnesses claim they have received death threats and that neither the PNG government nor the Australian government can ensure their safety. They are being represented by barrister Jay Williams.
It comes as 354 Manus asylum seekers lodged an action in the Australian high court, accusing the immigration minister, Scott Morrison, of committing crimes against humanity.It comes as 354 Manus asylum seekers lodged an action in the Australian high court, accusing the immigration minister, Scott Morrison, of committing crimes against humanity.
The 354 asylum seekers, or “Group of 354” as they are being called, claim that Morrison forcibly deported them to Manus and that they have been detained in degrading conditions indefinitely without access to legal advice, in violation of international law.The 354 asylum seekers, or “Group of 354” as they are being called, claim that Morrison forcibly deported them to Manus and that they have been detained in degrading conditions indefinitely without access to legal advice, in violation of international law.
Ruth Hudson, solicitor for the Group of 354, said: “In addition to the orders being sought from the high court in these applications, we are of the view that there is an urgent need for an inquiry or a royal commission in relation to the arrangements, events and conditions on Manus Island regional processing centre.Ruth Hudson, solicitor for the Group of 354, said: “In addition to the orders being sought from the high court in these applications, we are of the view that there is an urgent need for an inquiry or a royal commission in relation to the arrangements, events and conditions on Manus Island regional processing centre.
“In our view, such an inquiry could and should be headed by former justice of the high court Michael Kirby, as he recently did in relation to North Korea.”“In our view, such an inquiry could and should be headed by former justice of the high court Michael Kirby, as he recently did in relation to North Korea.”
In a separate development, Guardian Australia understands that at least one asylum seeker on Manus, an Iranian man, has had a positive initial refugee assessment interview.In a separate development, Guardian Australia understands that at least one asylum seeker on Manus, an Iranian man, has had a positive initial refugee assessment interview.
According to sources, PNG immigration officials played asylum seekers a film on Monday telling them that anyone found to be a refugee would be given freedom of movement and the right to work in PNG.According to sources, PNG immigration officials played asylum seekers a film on Monday telling them that anyone found to be a refugee would be given freedom of movement and the right to work in PNG.
But one asylum seeker who spoke to Guardian Australia on Tuesday described the mood in the camp as “depressed” and “disappointed”. Tensions within the camp are still high following the unrest.But one asylum seeker who spoke to Guardian Australia on Tuesday described the mood in the camp as “depressed” and “disappointed”. Tensions within the camp are still high following the unrest.