Another suicide attempt on Nauru – “the worst it has ever been”

Angry asylum seekers boycott excursions

A suicide attempt this (Thursday) afternoon by one of the hunger strikers on Nauru – the second hanging attempt in two days – has followed yesterday’s wave of self-harm incidents, fights, scuffles between guards and asylum seekers, and incidents of asylum seekers pushing Salvation Army workers.

The Iranian man who attempted suicide today has been taken to the medical centre.

At least five detainees removed from the detention camp yesterday are still in custody outside the camp. Others returned to the camp said they were beaten by Wilson Security guards.

A worker on Nauru has described the situation as “the worst it is has ever been.”

At least 19 people remain on hunger strike. Some who have been refusing water are said to be “in a bad condition.”

There has been no news of Omid, who is now in his 49th day of hunger strike and remains in the Nauru hospital. Another of the hunger strikers is now in his 29th day.

The Nauru asylum seekers have also declared a boycott of excursions after photographs of detainees playing soccer were published in some media.

“We are not happy with those photos,” one asylum seeker told the Refugee Action Coalition, “ No one will go on an excursion now. We are not going outside. We want the media to come and see what is happening to us.”

Don’t let Omid die

Protests will be held in Sydney and Melbourne, on Friday 30 November to call on the Minister for Immigration to urgently intervene to prevent Omid dying on Nauru.

Friday will mark the 50th day of Omid’s hunger strike.

As a statement from the Nauru asylum seekers puts it, “The Australian government can not only save our lives but they can also give us freedom.”

Sydney protest: Friday, 30 November, 12.30pm at the office of Health Minister Tanya Plibersek. Speakers will include: Dr Michael Dudley, chair of Suicide Australia; Diane Hiles, founding member of ChilOut; representatives of refugees.

For more information contact Ian Rintoul mob 0417 275 713

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