Immigration department medical staff are continuing to monitor the Iranian man who has reportedly been on a hunger strike for 33 days on detention in Nauru.
The man is reportedly an Iranian national named Omid and is one of 386 asylum seekers currently on Nauru, 305 of who were on strike.
A spokesperson for the Department of Immigration and Citizenship told SBS news that most have now begun taking food and it is difficult to ascertain how many remain on strike.
“A large group of clients have advised that they have ceased their protest last night,” she said.
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“While other clients are refusing to take food, some have taken food and fruit outside of meal times.”
Earlier reports doubted the numbers of hungers strikers on Nauru.
One asylum seeker told ABC radio that Omid is bed ridden and unable to move.
“Medical staff continue to monitor him,” the immigration spokesperson said.
The strike continued for about 12 days as about 24 Afghan, Iraqi, Iranian and Sri Lankan men were transferred to detention on Nauru yesterday.
One unverified Facebook page, whose administrator claims to speak from, and on behalf of, those in detention, posted that the newly-arrived asylum seekers joined the strike.
“We have seen four asylum seekers they have made imaginary graves for themselves because of losing their mental health,” it reads.
“We request to the government and people of Australia save our lives and future.”
