On 18 of February 2013, the court case against the
fifteen Asylum seekers men have finally underway. Ten of the fifteen men plead
not guilty and will be taken to trial for rioting and damaging property of
items estimating to around approximately $24,000AUD.
The ten men pleading not guilty were schedule to re-appear
before the court on the 25 of February 2013, for mention before the
court trial. Each man will be facing a charge of rioting and causing
willful damage to which they pleaded not guilty today. The other five men who
have pleaded guilty for all the charges have been withdrawn and discharge at
the application made by the Prosecutor.
Due to the absence of the Asylum seekers
representative Mr. Pres Nimes Ekwona who left to attend an urgent family
business in Fiji on Monday the 4 of February 2013, the Salvation Army has
engaged two Australian barristers from Sydney Mr. David Burwood and Mr. Jason
Williams to take on the case. Both men just arrived on the island this morning
via the Brisbane flight
On a separate matter on the same day, an asylum seeker
appeared in court on assault charge telling the court that he is concern for
his safety after a security guard allegedly threatened to kill him.
The Resident Magistrate Law offered him a
choice to either be remanded in custody for his safety or that the court issue
a request to the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) to
provide assurances that appropriate measures would be taken at the centre to assure
his protection.
The defendant chose the second option.
Hence the Resident Magistrate said he considered the allegation to be of serious
nature and have recommended the Police Commissioner Mr. Britten to fully
investigate the incident.
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