Guards used force against Manus protest
Immigration Minister Peter Dutton has confirmed force was used against protesters on Manus Island but says asylum seekers are using violence against camp staff.
Refugee advocates claimed yesterday protests were continuing on the remote Papua New Guinea island and warned about 80 per cent of detainees - about 700 people - were still on hunger strike.
Detainees are protesting against Government plans to resettle some detainees recognised as refugees in PNG.
Asylum seekers and refugees say their lives will be at risk should they be placed outside the Manus camp and near PNG locals.
They want the United Nations to find another country for them if Australia will not take them.
Reports from Manus Island said centre guards in riot gear swept through camp compounds on Monday, seizing mobile phones and separating protest ring leaders from other detainees.
Pictures have emerged supposedly showing asylum seekers in the local jail.
After days of playing down the seriousness of the situation, Mr Dutton said PNG authorities decided with support from Australia to "resolve" the situation and ensure safety of staff and detainees. "Most transferees quickly co-operated with the request to cease their action . . . minimal force was used to effect entry into one compound," Mr Dutton said.
He said there was no damage to camp infrastructure or accommodation.
Asylum seeker advocate Ian Rintoul said the raids by guards, mostly PNG locals, showed that it was unsafe for refugees to be resettled in PNG.
