“This week five refugees transferred under Medevac legislation but held in indefinite detention for close to a year and
a half have been released.” said Chris Breen for the Refugee Advocacy Network.
“Football legend Craig Foster welcomed Iranian refugee, musician and artist Farhad Bandesh, today at the gates of MITA
detention centre in Broadmeadows, when he was released after seven years in detention”
“Bandesh had been due to speak at tomorrow’s 7 Years Too Long – Free the Refugees Human Rights rally at the State
Library at 2pm by phone from MITA detention centre. He will now speak in person. He will then travel to speak at 3pm to the daily protest outside the Mantra Hotel in Preston, 215 Bell St Preston where
his friends remain detained, and demand their freedom.”
“The five refugees who were released had cases before the Federal Circuit Court that were asking to determine whether
they were being unlawfully detained. Bridging Visas were granted by Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton pre-empted
possible court decisions against the government. More refugees are in similar situation and have cases before the
courts".
“Peter Dutton must now free and permanently resettle all the refugees (around 200) who came to Australia under Medevac
legislation. They have been detained for 7 years. They aren’t being processed and they aren’t being treated, they have
committed no crime - indeed the only crime is what the Coalition government is doing to them. It's time to end their
indefinite lockdown, set them free and give them a permanent home.” concluded Breen.
Rally details
On Saturday December 12 refugee supporters will meet at the State Library, cnr Swanston & La Trobe Sts Melbourne and other city locations, to mark Human Rights Day and call to free the refugees and give them a
permanent home.
A press conference will be held at the State Library where speakers include
Farhad Bandesh - refugee released today from MITA detention centre
David Manne - Refugee Legal
Flora Balik - Refugee Voices
Nazir Yousafi - refugee and Afghan community representative
Pip Carew - Assistant Secretary AMNF
Music from Phil Hudson from Love Makes a Way
The events will be Covid-safe. Participants including media are asked to wear masks, practice social distancing and
register here
The rallies in the city is organised by the Refugee Advocacy Network