RRAN Press Release 24.4.2011 16 Refugee Rights Action Network protesters were arrested today. Six of the group were issued with move on notices - none were charged. All of the protesters have now moved on and will be spending the night in Derby before heading back to Perth. The Refugee Rights Action Network were protesting in solidarity with those inside who had requested on Thursday, via a 700 signatory letter, that a delegation from RRAN be allowed to enter the Curtin IDC in order to observe conditions inside the centre.
Related: Photos by Alex Bainbridge on Picasa -- Footage of arrests on Youtube
In order to stand in solidarity with those detained RRAN refused the one-on-one visits which members had requested prior to their departure for Curtin. During the solidarity action RRAN conducted a successful road block at the front of the Curtin IDC.
Spokesperson for RRAN, Victoria Martin-Iverson says that as soon as the human rights activists arrived at the gate on Easter Saturday Serco and DIAC started lying to the group and it was only through contact with those inside the centre that protesters discovered the truth of the asylum seeker demands.
UPDATE FROM CURTIN:
blockade at fence over - approximately 15 people arrested. First group of arrestees on way back to camp now
It is believed that move on orders will be issued, although this has yet to be confirmed
Photo by Alex Bainbridge
