More than 200 detainees are said to be taking part in the strike. At least 10 are said to have sewn their lips shut. Australias government has denied a hunger strike is taking place. The policy of housing asylum seekers offshore - intended as a deterrent - has been criticised by rights groups. Australia sends all asylum seekers arriving by boat to offshore camps in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific territory of Nauru for detention and processing. The Manus Island centre was the scene of deadly riots last February, when local residents entered the facility and clashed with detainees. One asylum seeker was killed and at least 70 were hurt in the violence. The latest protest started at the Mike compound, with asylum seekers going on hunger strike and refusing to return to their accommodation. At least 10 people have sewn their lips shut, according to sources quoted by the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper.
Posted on: Thu, 15 Jan 2015 16:41:24 +0000
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