Australia: Mr X must be released

Mr X must be released and mandatory detention must end

Australian Greens Senator Kerry Nettle today called on Minister
Vanstone to immediately grant Australia's longest immigration detainee a permanent protection visa as recommended by the Ombudsman last night.

"I met Mr X during a visit to Glenside Psychiatric Hospital on 14 March this year. He has the unenviable status of being the new Peter Qasim hidden away from public view," said Senator Nettle.

"When I met Mr X, he explained to me the dangers he faced if he was returned to Bangladesh or placed back into an immigration detention centre. He should be released.

"I'm sure Mr X will be relieved that the Ombudsman has made these recommendations. After six long years he will be happy that someone has officially recognised the terrible situation he has been placed in by this government.

"Indefinite detention of innocent people is still permitted under the Migration Act. The Greens believe this is unacceptable and the law must change.

"Yet again we have a report highly critical of mandatory detention.
The policy is a failure. The government's immigration system is like a factory sucking in healthy people and spitting out damaged human beings.

"The Minister must ensure that Mr X has appropriate care when he is released. It is her Government that has damaged his health and it must take responsibility for helping him to heal."

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