Hunger Strikes Resume On Nauru
As the Flotillas of Hope enter the final leg of their epic journey to Nauru, the news from the island detention camp is
that 3 Iraqi asylum seekers have gone on a hunger strike. They are now into their fifth day without food.
One of the hunger striker said of their actions, "We are under a lot pressure here, we have been jailed for a long time
without any guilt, our country is unstable. ... we are suffering here without any reason. ... In the name of humanity we
ask you to help us".
North Coast based Coordinator for the project, Lynda Smith said the crew were in good spirits but extremely concerned
for the wellbeing of the hunger strikers. They are hopeful that the Nauruan government will have a change of heart and
grant the crew visas to allow them to land for 24 hours so they could meet with the asylum seekers, and deliver the
gifts and a messages of hope which Australians have sent with the boats.
Below is the text of a letter written by a number of asylum seekers from Iraq.
Dear all,
We would like to inform you that the Iraqis on Nauru are on hunger strike since yesterday, we are under a lot of
pressure here, we have been jailed for a long time without any guilt, our country is unstable, there are many explosions
happening every day in Iraq, there is no safety and no human rights.
We cannot go back to Iraq and Australia has not released us, we are suffering here without any reason. For these reasons
we are striking of the food and we will keep strike until solve our problem.
In the name of humanity we ask you to help us. Thank you very much
Editor’s Note: Two Australian Boats Known As The Flotillas Of Hope Are Now Only 2 Days Away From Nauru. At This Time,
The Nauruan Government Still Stands Firm And Will Not Grant Permission For The Crew Of 7 To Land, Although Negotiations
Continue With The Nauruan Government's Melbourne Based Public Affairs Consultant, Helen Bogdan. Please See Press Release
Below.