The seriously injured 36-year-old Tamil refugee who was the victim of the deliberate hit and run attack on Nauru last Tuesday night (9 February), was transferred by air ambulance to Australia late on Friday, 12 February.
The refugee was transported from Nauru to Sydney, arriving in the early hours of Saturday morning (13 February) – photos of the air ambulance, the refugee and the car that allegedly struck the refugee, are attached.
The refugee reportedly has fractures to his back, shoulder, leg, hand and hip – more extensive injuries than was first indicated.
More details of the attack have also now emerged. Two of the alleged attackers were local Nauruan workers in one of the refugee camps, and knew the man from the camp. After the car knocked the man from his motorbike and ran over him, the car was reversed to run over him once again. He was then physically attacked on the ground, before his alleged assailants stole his motorbike and fled the scene.
“The shocking attack has caused a wave of fear among the refugees and asylum seekers who remain on the island,” said Ian Rintoul, “It has been a graphic reminder of how vulnerable refugees are to such violence on Nauru.
“This attempted murder is the most brutal attack for some time, but assaults, muggings, and robberies are part of the daily life of refugees and asylum seekers being held on Nauru.
“It’s time the government ended offshore detention and provided them with permanent protection in Australia.”
The Australian government is still holding around 127 refugees and asylum seekers on Nauru, at a reported cost of $10,000 a day, and a greater cost on their lives and future.
For more information contact Ian Rintoul 0417 275 713
