ASIO letter reveals why refugees deemed threat

17 April 2013 09:38 am - 8 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

ASIO has told a group of Sri Lankan detainees that it regards them as a threat to national security because some of them have a history of violence in their homeland.

In a letter obtained by the ABC, ASIO says the group, held in a Melbourne detention centre, remains ideologically supportive of the Tamil Tigers.

The refugees received the letter 10 days ago. Until now its contents have been secret.

Since receiving the letters, some of the 50 Sri Lankans have gone on a hunger strike.

The letter is one of many sent to people in detention who had been granted political asylum but had still been held in detention for up to four years.

One Sri Lankan man was assessed as being strongly ideologically supportive of Tamil Tiger separatists and their aim of independence through the use of violence.

The letter says ASIO believes he is likely to engage in acts prejudicial to Australia's security if granted a permanent protection visa.

But Trevor Grant from the Tamil Refugee Council has challenged that view.

"The Tamil Tigers no longer exist," he said.

"They were wiped out in the war that ended in 2009.

"The other thing is that the Tamil Tigers have never been proscribed a terrorist organisation in Australia."

Supporters say the refugees should have the right to challenge ASIO's rulings in court, something they have not yet been allowed to do.

Among them, Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young, who was banned from visiting the group.

"If an Australian citizen was considered a terrorist threat, there would be a due process under the law that they would go through," she said.

"There wouldn't be just an automatic locked up, throw away the key."

Mr Grant says those on the hunger strike are very weak.

"I talk to them quite regularly and they go through periods when they're very, very down," he said.

Four of them have been hospitalised since they began their hunger strike.

Nobody from the Federal Government was available to comment. (ABC News)

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 8

saman Wednesday, 17 April 2013 10:11 AM

If they are genuine refugees running away from the fear of persecution, they should have gone to Tamil Nadu where Jayalalitha is waiting at the docks with the red carpet!

Suq Madique Wednesday, 17 April 2013 10:15 AM

Australia is doing the right thing because no matter docile the refugees are now, sooner or later their violent streaks will emerge and start causing disruptions down-under. .

lkboy Wednesday, 17 April 2013 10:45 AM

of course, so true. so true.

SB Wednesday, 17 April 2013 11:28 AM

Australia should take them and make model citizens of all who want to take a boat ride! Less problems for those who want to live in SL.

Madhawa Wednesday, 17 April 2013 12:04 PM

god bless mother lanka, truth will win oneday.

Grace Wednesday, 17 April 2013 12:09 PM

At last your people have started understanding the truth. It is not too late.

Miracle Child Wednesday, 17 April 2013 12:09 PM

we don't argue with you ...
pls keep them there..

Penny Thursday, 18 April 2013 12:32 AM

Some Aussies are still dumb to fight against their own government to protect HR of terrorist supporters. It seems that non proscription of LTTE is back firing on Aussies......Way to go mate!!!!

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

ASIO letter reveals why refugees deemed threat

Comments - 8

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Most Viewed in News

Sri Lankan among NASA’s new crew for next simulated Mars journey

Uma Oya Development Project inaugurated

Gota fires back at Cardinal, rebuts allegations

Ranil Wickremesinghe caravan moves on despite barking dogs

Man who jumped off Sri Pada Uda Maluwa and went missing, found

Two racing drivers arrested over Fox Hill tragedy

MIRROR CRICKET

Sahan Arachchige to lead Sri Lanka ‘A’

Is Chamari Athapaththu Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketer ever?

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Sri Lanka to establish new energy sector regulator

Cabinet nod to transfer China-built Mattala airport’s management to Indian, Russian joint venture

Sajith never attends dinners hosted by Ranil Wickremesinghe

One soldier dead, nine injured in road crash

Sahan Arachchige to lead Sri Lanka ‘A’

Dates confirmed for 78th Bradby Shield

SLAS appoints independent committee for investigation

Pakistan lose key players for last two T20Is against New Zealand