Asylum seeker denied medical help, court hears

An Iranian asylum seeker was denied access to psychiatric help, despite slashing himself several times inside South Australia's Baxter detention centre, the Federal Court in Adelaide has heard.

The asylum seeker, known only as "M", was among a group of detainees who staged a 10-day protest on a roof at Baxter late last year.

"M" told the court he took part in the rooftop protest out of desperation after spending more than four years inside detention centres.

He says after the protest he was seen by a psychiatrist who prescribed new medication for his severe depression.

The psychiatrist also told him he may need shock treatment in hospital.

The medication failed but "M" says he has not seen the psychiatrist since.

Lawyers for "M" and another detainee want their clients to be taken out of Baxter and put into psychiatric care in Adelaide's Glenside Psychiatric Hospital.

They say the Commonwealth Government has failed to provide asylum seekers with a duty of care.

The case is continuing.

By Just Us 5 April 05

Ed: This story is indicative of the tactical difference of opinion; in that the person is first tortured then their only option out is to be locked up under threat of being electroshocked for the symptoms of their torture. This in itself is an act of extreme cruelty with permanent effects.

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Jail search finds knives, syringes

CONTRABAND including hand-made knives, mobile phones and a pair of bolt cutters were found during a search of more than 5000 jail cells, NSW Corrective Services Minister Richard Amery said.

The three-day operation uncovered 12 mobile phones, 42 shivs or jail-made knives, 13 syringes and the head of a pair of bolt cutters.

"This operation prompted by intelligence reinforces ongoing tough security measures designed to stop the entry of illicit materials into our jails," Mr Amery said today.

The operation began on Tuesday and concluded yesterday. "It shows there is very little dangerous contraband getting past our tough security and intelligence regime," Mr Amery said.

Mr Brett Collins a spokesperson for Justice Action said, "It shows there is a lot of desperation in the prison system at the moment and has been for some time."

"it also shows that plenty of contraband is getting past the tough security and intelligence regimes, 42 shives?" He said.

Mr Amery's comments "it shows very little dangerous contraband." Brett said, "This is ridiculous. No security level will stop people feeling threatened in his jails of no hope, no future and no direction. Time to start the dialogue Mr Amery! Start today!"

By Des Perate 31 Jan 03

Justice Action

THE RAT: Put two rats in a cage they can live together. Put a hundred rats in a cage they eat each other?

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