Fed: Pressure on govt over Nauru detainees mounts

AAP General News (Australia)
12-24-2003
Fed: Pressure on govt over Nauru detainees mounts

Pressure is mounting on the federal government to bring almost 300 failed asylum seekers
from Nauru to Australia.

At the same time there are claims that others sent back to Afghanistan have been murdered.

Independent MP PETER ANDREN is demanding an investigation into claims that between
seven and 10 asylum seekers returned to Afghanistan by Australia on December the 1st have
died.

It follows warnings from Afghanistan's ambassador to Australia, MAHMOUD SAIKAL, that
sending asylum seekers back will undermine efforts to quash terrorism.

Thirty-five of more than 280 detainees are taking part in a hunger strike on Nauru,
demanding they be released from detention.

Former immigration minister JOHN HODGES and Afghan community leader GHOLAM ABOSS have
met some of the detainees and are to report back to the Federal government.

AAP RTV sw/gjr/wz

KEYWORD: DETENTION (CANBERRA)

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