Lawyers will appeal court ruling on Manus detention siege

The PNG Supreme Court has declined to issue an injunction to restore immediately food, water, and power to the Manus detention centre.

The Chief Justice found that while the applicant’s (Behrouz Boochani) human rights may have been breached, that damages rather than an injunction is the suitable remedy.

The lawyers in the case will appeal this finding, as early as tomorrow (Wed 8 November).

“The decision of the PNG Supreme Court decision does not alter the inhumanity of the siege on Manus Island, nor alter the role of the Australian government,” said Ian Rintoul, spokesperson for the Refugee Action Coalition

“It does not alter the fact that Manus is unsafe, and settlement in PNG is impossible. The onus is still on the government to provide the safety and security that the refugees and asylum seekers need.”

The refugees and asylum seekers have made it clear that they will not leave the detention centre.

“We had no expectation from the court,” one refugee told the Refugee Action Coalition.

“They were unlawfully transported to PNG; they have been unlawfully held in detention. They must be immediately evacuated,” said Ian Rintoul.

“The Turnbull government will never live down what they have done on Manus. The refugee movement will do whatever we can to support and sustain the refugees inside the detention centre, and keep fighting for the government to bring them here.”

Protest Dutton and Abbott, “End The Siege; Bring them Here,” Australian Technology Park, 6pm, Friday 10 November.

For more information contact Ian Rintoul 0417 275 713

Follow us

Latest news