Christmas Island protesting detainees 'stitch lips'

Refugee advocates have dismissed claims by the Immigration Minister that a protest at Christmas Island detention centre is under control.

christmas_island_wire_B_1012_aap_610805039

Christmas Island (AAP)

The Refugee Action Coalition said about 75 asylum seekers striking on the outside oval have been joined by some 300 others inside the compound, with seven stitching their lips together.

"They said overwhelmingly what they're getting is simply more threats and more warnings about being sent offshore, being sent to Manus Island," Refugee Action Coalition spokesman Ian Rintoul told SBS.

SBS reporter Kristina Kukolja speaks with Ian Rintoul of the Refugee Action Coalition.



The protest began six days ago, reportedly in support of Iranian asylum seeker Reza Barati who died during riots on Manus Island on February 17.

Authorities have locked down compounds on Christmas Island in order to manage the hunger strike.

Mr Rintoul said people inside the compound are missing medication and have joined the strike by default.

"The fact that the department responded by locking down the compound has meant that hundreds of people who weren't directly involved in the protest have been locked inside their compound for several days and really the protest spread," said Mr Rintoul.

Immigration Minister Scott Morrison has confirmed the protest and says it is "under control."

"It is a fairly low level activity, it's not uncommon to have protest activity in detention centres," said Mr Morrison.


Share
2 min read

Published

Updated


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world
Christmas Island protesting detainees 'stitch lips' | SBS News