[Greens-Media] Remaining West Papuan asylum seeker should be brought to Melbourne

[Phillips, Max (Sen K. Nettle)]

Remaining West Papuan asylum seeker should be brought to Melbourne

1 May 2006

Following the further delay in court today in the case of the remaining
West Papuan asylum seeker on Christmas Island Australian Greens Senator
Kerry Nettle today called for him to be brought to Melbourne, while the
Immigration Department and the courts decide whether he is granted a
visa.

"I understand that there is no question that this man is a genuine
refugee and it is just technical issues which are being decided in his
case," said Senator Nettle.

"I met this man with the 42 other West Papuans when I visited Christmas
Island in January.  It is a very remote place and his isolation should
end.

"This man should be brought to Melbourne on the next flight while his
case is finalised.  He should be with his fellow West Papuans, not
isolated on a remote island.

"He should be able to live in the community with his fellow West Papuans
and supporters until his case has been decided.

"If the government insists on his ongoing detention, then he should
still be brought to Melbourne so he can be near his friends and
supporters.  

"This man's father died in an Indonesian prison after being jailed for
raising the West Papuan flag and yet we continue to treat him like a
criminal behind razor wire.

Contact: Max Phillips 0414 338 526