Sunday, June 19, 2005

Self-harming detainees released from hospital

Six Chinese detainees have been released from hospital after harming themselves yesterday at Sydney's Villawood detention centre.

Five men and two women were taken to Auburn hospital yesterday after one woman tried to commit suicide, and a woman who found her suffered serious chest pains. A number of men also slashed their wrists.

The hospital says one woman has been admitted for observation and the rest of the detainees have been returned to the detention centre.

Refugee advocates say the self-harm incidents have come after 25 Chinese asylum seekers were isolated for two weeks and interviewed by Chinese officials as part of the Federal Government's attempts to deport them.

The Uniting Church says the two incidents are likely to be connected and that those seeking asylum now believe their lives in China would be at risk.

By Injustice posted 19 June 05

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