Melbourne Vigil- close Christmas Island, end the offshore processing regime

Date and Time: 
Monday, March 21, 2011 -
5:30pm to 8:30pm
Location: 
cnr Bourke and Swanson Sts, Melbourne CBD

Over the past week, we have witnessed escalating violence against asylum seekers in Immigration Detention. Police have used tear gas on protesting detainees at Christmas Island; at Curtin an Afghan refugee awaiting his security clearance was beaten by 6 Serco guards as he tried to speak to his case manager; a young Afghan man was found dead in Scherger on Thursday night, suspected of having taken his own life; as this is written..., a young Iraqi, whose case manager just last week asked him where he would like to go upon his release was refused security clearance. If a third country does not take him , he faces indefinite detention - his supporters are heading to the detention centre as he is threatening suicide and his friends are desperate for help.

Monday's action is a vigil to mourn the passing of the young Hazara man found dead at Scherger, and also a protest against the continuing practice of offshore detention, and the absurdity and secrecy surrounding security clearances.

Spread the word, bring your friends, and your banners.

Geography: