Machete-wielding locals threaten to kill Manus asylum seekers

A threatening incident, just one day after the release of the Cornall report of the February 17 attack on asylum seekers, at the Manus Island detention centre has dramatically exposed the extent of the danger that remains for the asylum seekers and the urgent need for them to be brought to safety in Australia.

Around 2.30pm this afternoon (Tuesday, 27 May), 15 asylum seekers from Mike compound (the compound in which Reza Barati was killed) were being escorted to play football believed to be on the oval within the detention centre.

Before they got to the oval, ten locals wielding machetes threatened to kill them, forcing them, and their Transfield guard, to run back to the relative safety of the compound.

The Transfield guard has reported the incident.

“This explicit threat to kill is the most dangerous, so far, of the daily threats being directed at the asylum seekers. It exposes the obvious risk faced by the asylum seekers and myth that Manus Island can ever be safe,” said Ian Rintoul, spokesperson for the Refugee Action Coalition.

“Scott Morrison can’t hide the fact that the killers of Reza Barati are still at large on Manus Island and present an on-going threat to the lives of the asylum seekers. The PNG mobile squad, have been named as being involved in the violent assault on the asylum seekers in Mike compound on 17 February, but the Minister does nothing to remove them from the vicinity of the detention centre,” said Rintoul.

Vigils and rallies to mark 100 days since the death of Reza Barati are being held around the country over the next two days – Wed 27th and Thursday 29th June. The protests are calling for “Justice for Reza” : a full, independent inquiry; to close Manus Island and end offshore processing and to sack Scott Morrison.

Brisbane: 12pm Wednesday 28th May, Department of Immigration, 299 Adelaide St. Contact: Frederika Steen 3720 1885 or Mark Gillespie on 0439 561 196.

Melbourne: 12.30pm Wed 28th May, Immigration Dept – cnr Spring & Lonsdale Sts. Contact Chris 0403 013 183.

Perth: 4.00pm, Wesley Uniting Church, cnr William and Hay Sts, City. Contact Victoria 0427 256 131.

Sydney: vigil and speakout, Thursday, 29 May, 5.30pm, Sydney Town Hall.

For more information contact Ian Rintoul mob 0417 275 713

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