Tamil refugee activist Aran Mylvaganam was arrested, then released, during a protest at federal immigration, citizenship and multicultural affairs minister Andrew Giles’ office. Kerry Smith reports.
Aran Mylvaganam
Small rallies calling for the freedom of detained refugees were held at eight locations across Melbourne on June 13, reports Chris Slee.
Three hundred people rallied on May 24 to show solidarity with refugees, who face increasing attacks following the re-election of the Coalition government.
More than 100 people attended a rally on June 24 to protest against the impending deportation of a Tamil family.
Nades, Priya and their two children had been living in Biloela, a small town in Queensland, for four years. On March 5 at 5am, their home was surrounded by 40 police and Border Force officers, and they were taken away with only 10 minutes to pack.
More than 100 people marched in Northcote on March 10 in support of refugee rights. The rally was called by the Refugee Action Collective to focus attention on refugees in the context of the Batman by-election.
Aziz Muhammad, who has been imprisoned on Manus Island for 5 years, spoke to the rally via skype. He spoke of the “terrible” conditions on Manus Island. The three camps where refugees are living are overcrowded. There is no proper medical care. Mental health is deteriorating, as people see no hope. Refugees have been badly beaten by local people.