Around 40 asylum seekers have started a hunger strike at the Manus Island detention centre, where those who arrive in mainland Australia are now being sent to, in protest at the death of a 23-year-old Iranian man killed last week.
Reza Barati was killed amidst violence in the controversial centre, which houses around 1,300 asylum seekers, between the staff and those being held there. Around 40 men women and teenagers have begun protesting, with a group of 100 or so holding protests every evening, reported the Guardian.
The centre has come amidst increasing controversy, with an employee telling Australian television on Tuesday,
“We knew this was ridiculous. But we were lying to people and we were told to keep that message going, to keep it clear.”
When asked whether this contributed to the violence she added,
“Yes, because what they realised – you know what they wanted was not just the interviews and a process, something to feel better about, something to be involved in ... they want to know where they are going.”
It was also revealed this week that a former Sri Lankan military commander has been appointed head of the detention centre, which houses some 30 Tamils fleeing from Sri Lanka.
Read more here: Outrage as SL military commander appointed head of Australian detention centre (24 February 2014)