Australia releases 20 refugees from detention after 9 years

ANKARA – Australian authorities have released more asylum seekers from detention centers after nine years, a local human rights body said.

The authorities released around 20 refugees from immigration Transit Accommodation across the country, the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC), a rights organization, said in a statement, adding these refugees will get bridging visas which will allow them to temporarily stay in Australia.

“This will leave around 10 people transferred to Australia from offshore detention for medical treatment still in detention centers after nine years,” said the ASRC.

“The Morrison government has provided no reason as to why the remaining 10 people are held against their will, while 230 others in almost identical situations are in the community.”

Due to prolonged detention, some refugees suffered different diseases including anxiety, diabetes, and blood pressure, according to local media.

“There are no words that I can describe that feeling,” ABC News quoted Hussein, a Somali refugee, last month after release.

Hussein came from Somalia by boat in 2013 and Australian authorities detained him on Manus Island.

Due to long detention, he now suffered from diabetes, high blood pressure, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

“This is the moment we have been waiting for. Finally, after nine years, refugees are granted the freedom they deserve,” said Jana Favero, director of Advocacy and Campaigns at the ASRC. “All remaining must be released immediately.”

Under its immigration policy, Australia detains asylum seekers who arrive by boat.