Six asylum seekers have been injured during a violent clash with a riot squad at the Christmas Island detention centre.
Immigration Minister Scott Morrison told parliament an emergency response team was used to end a protest on Monday night.
"Reports to me suggest some detainees became aggressive and were subsequently restrained," he said on Tuesday.
Two asylum seekers sustained minor injuries and were treated at the centre's medical clinic.
Four asylum seekers were transported by ambulance to the island's hospital where they were treated for suspected sprains and broken bones.
No staff were hurt in the incident.
Refugee advocates claim 75 asylum seekers, who had been on hunger strikes, had been peacefully protesting in the rain when the riot squad was sent in.
The protest had marked the 100th day since the death of Iranian asylum seeker Reza Barati at the Manus Island detention centre.
Australian Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young is worried more violence may occur.
"Operation Blame the Victims was in full swing again today as Scott Morrison insisted that it was the unarmed men who received the beating that are to blame," she said.
Share
