27 September 2010 03:35 am
Commenting on the nine Sri Lankan Tamils who protested on the roof of Villawood Detention Centre in Australia, Australian Immigration Minister Chris Bowen has said the Australian Government will not be influenced by any such protests.
External Affairs Ministry Sources told the Daily Mirror that the Immigration Minister had categorically stated that each immigration and case of asylum would be considered on its individual merits and demerits and would not be swayed by protests.
The immigration status of the individuals is to be assessed sometime this week.
A group of 11 men of whom nine were Sri Lankan Tamils, spent more than 24 hours on the roof of the Villawood Detention Centre without food or water. At least two men cut themselves with razors. The protest came to an end on the 21st September.