Iraqi refugees confident of release

Issue 

BY SAM KING

ADELAIDE — The trial of 10 refugees charged with breaking out of the Woomera detention centre in June began here on October 24, but the defendants are confident they can beat the charges and were bolstered by a demonstration by 25 supporters outside.

Defence lawyer Greg Mead told supporters outside the magistrates court that prosecution statements were generally inconsistent and that prosecutors had found it difficult to establish who exactly had set fire to the different wings of the detention camp.

He also said that, even if found guilty, the defendants could only be deported if they were sentenced to serve more than a year — which could only happen if they were found guilty of arson, the most difficult of the charges to prove.

Mead also said that the protest outside the court, organised by the Democratic Socialist Party, could have a positive impact on the trial's outcome, as it would force the prosecution to take positions which would not spark further public outrage.

Protest organisers said that their action was not simply to support the 10 defendants but also to back the closure of the detention centres and the release of the asylum seekers held in them.

Further protests will take place on and after October 31st. To get involved in the campaign, phone the DSP on (08) 8231 6982 or email <adelaide@dsp.org.au>.

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.