Scott Morrison must resign; Manus Island is a crime scene and must be closed

Re-open the phones and internet

Scott Morrison’s admissions that he gave incorrect information about the attacks on asylum seekers on Manus Island is reason enough for him to resign.

Scott Morrison chose to ignore the huge amount of evidence that asylum seekers had been brutally attacked by G4S guards and PNG police.

“The evidence that the attacks occurred inside the detention centre was overwhelming, but Scott Morrison relied on a concocted story to portray the asylum seekers as the ones responsible for the violence in the detention centre,” said Ian Rintoul, spokesperson for the Refugee Action Coalition.

“It is clear that Morrison cannot guarantee the safety of asylum seekers. Worse, in spite of the obvious danger to the lives and welfare of the asylum seekers, he refuses to take measures to ensure their safety. He shows no interest in bringing those responsible for the violence to justice. Yet Reza was killed inside the detention centre, an area where Morrison said he could guarantee safety. He couldn’t then; he won’t now.”

“Phone and internet access for asylum seekers has been cut off since Monday night – those communications must be immediately restored,” said Rintoul.

“In spite of the handover from G4S to Transfield that took place yesterday, Saturday 22 February, the same people who killed Reza Berati and savagely attacked 77 others still have the run of the Manus Island detention centre. Rarely has a minister been so derelict in his duty and cavalier regarding the welfare of those he is meant to protect.

“The Minister sent Lieutenant General Angus Campbell to review security – but not for the asylum seekers. Like his Minister, the military head of Operation Sovereign Borders showed no interest in ensuring there is an open inquiry or that asylum seekers are safe. Manus Island is a crime scene. Mike compound in particular should have been sealed off to allow to collection of evidence.

“Scott Morrison must step down or be sacked. The violence of Operation Sovereign Borders has been starkly revealed in the turn backs and now the attacks on defenceless asylum seekers inside the wire on Manus Island

“The asylum seekers must be immediately moved off the island to guarantee their safety. Manus Island must be closed.”

For more information contact Ian Rintoul 0417 275 713

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