‘They know what Nauru is like and they don’t want to go back’

Refugee rights activists held a protest at the Broadmeadows detention centre (MITA – Melbourne Immigration Transit Accommodation) on 9 June to halt the removal of asylum seekers. A group of 20, including 10 children, are to be returned to the hellish camp on Nauru. They had been flown to mainland Australia for medical treatment to address a range of health issues, including serious mental health conditions.

“They’ve heard they’re going to be transferred to Nauru”, Reza Yarahmadi told Red Flag. Yarahmadi is an activist who came to Australia as a refugee, spending time in detention on Christmas Island. He is in contact with those inside the centre.

“They are saying they’re going to kill themselves. Three people have tried to commit suicide already. One man has had a heart attack. There is a woman who is six weeks pregnant who is afraid she will be sent back, and [there are] two babies.”

The immigration department has admitted that asylum seekers have self-harmed in response to the news of their impending return to Nauru. A department spokesperson told the Herald Sun that “self-harming behaviour will not influence the outcome of an individual’s immigration case”.

“They know what Nauru is like and they don’t want to go back”, Yarahmadi said.

Protesters camped at the detention centre gate maintained contact with detainees inside. Photographs and messages of support passed between the two groups.

“They are asking us please help us”, Yarahmadi said. “They know this protest is happening [and] they support it.”

A text message from one of the asylum seekers said: “Thank you very much everybody, thank you for coming. I know it’s cold I’m so sorry guys. We had too much stress last night but now we have you guys for support and we’re calm now. Love you all”.

Protesters stayed overnight in order to block any removals. No asylum seekers were taken. However, the situation could change at any point. Activists remain on alert.