Over Easter refugee activists from around the country converged on Darwin to refocus attention on the reality behind the wire of mandatory detention. Darwin is rapidly becoming Australia’s detention capital, with three detention centres in holding up to 1000 asylum seekers. Chronic levels of self-harm and protest have put the Northern Immigration Detention Centre (NIDC) in a state of perpetual crisis.
Watch SBS News report on the Villawood and national protests here
Darwin convergence reports and photos
Serco bans detention visits as refugee activists converge on Australia’s detention capital
Protest at Darwin Airport Lodge: Desperate refugees’ plea from behind the wire at Darwin Airport Lodge
Activists arrested while trying to make contact with refugees in Wickham Point
First reported instance of self harm at Wickham Point
Protest at Northern Immigration Detention Centre (NIDC): Refugee activists condemn intimidation of Darwin asylum seekers
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Protests were also held around the country in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth on Monday April 9 outside detention centres in each city. Almost 5000 asylum seekers remain imprisoned in detention, including over 500 children.
News reports on the Villawood protest from Fairfield City Champion and ABC online.