Wednesday, September 14, 2005

Peace Activist Agrees to be removed but challenges security review

ATTENTION: CHIEFS OF STAFF - IMMIGRATION REPORTERS - LEGAL REPORTERS

PEACE ACTIVIST AGREES TO BE REMOVED FROM AUSTRALIA BUT CHALLENGES SECURITY REVIEW

American peace activist Scott Parkin has written to DIMIA today requesting his removal from detention and agreeing to leave Australia provided his appeal rights are preserved, according to his lawyers.

Keren Adams, from Maurice Blackburn Cashman, and Erskine Rodan, immigration lawyer, said they had been advised by DIMIA this afternoon that Scott would leave the country on Thursday.

Ms Adams said he would continue to challenge the reasons for the cancellation of his visa.

"In accordance with Scott's wishes, we have asked for Scott to be removed from the country under section 198 (1) of the Migration Act," she said this afternoon.

"At the same time, we have relodged an appeal with the Migration Review Tribunal against the cancellation of his visa. This can continue once he has left the country," she said.

Ms Adams said the letter signed by Scott was handed to a DIMIA representative today, and Scott was advised that he would stay in the Melbourne Custody Centre until his flight on Thursday.

"We are still calling for his transfer to Maribyrnong detention centre and for him to be able to call his family and friends and have visitors which is entitled to under immigration detention," she said.

Ms Adams said under the removal, Scott is liable for a debt to the Government of $125.47 a day for each day in detention, plus the cost of his airfare and the cost of two escorts who will accompany him to the U.S.

"And he won't be able to return to Australia unless the original reasons for his visa cancellation are overturned and he has repaid this debt," she said.

Ms Adams said Scott was still in the dark about the reasons for his visa cancellation, and had no contact with ASIO since his detention on Saturday.

Ms Adams said the lack of information was not acceptable.

"Scott is feeling really depressed and frustrated and has no idea why he is being held there," she said.

Mr Rodan called on the Government to release the reasons for Scott's detention.

"What's happened to young Scott is dreadful. What's happening is that a national security assessment has been made against him and any other country that he wants to visit he will not be able to visit because of this negative national security assessment.

"His opportunity for travel to other countries is no longer available to him if he is deported, and if the cancellation of his visa is not overturned.

"This young man must be transferred to an immigration detention centre. He cannot be kept in this jail, in a place where there is no natural light; he is essentially in solitary confinement. He should not be a prisoner."

"He's a very frightened young man and he should have the opportunity to be transferred immediately to the immigration detention centre at Maribyrnong at least and preferably be released into the community. This young man has done nothing and no-one has said he has done anything. Everyone seems to be hiding behind the assessment made by ASIO and no one knows what is in that assessment, not even Scott," he said.

By Maurice Blackburn Cashman posted 14 September 05

Media inquiries: Kerry O'Shea at Maurice Blackburn Cashman
on (03) 9605.2856 or 0407 874024

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