Vic: Ethnic group says detention centres encourage abuse

AAP General News (Australia)
02-20-2001
Vic: Ethnic group says detention centres encourage abuse

One of Australia's major ethnic groups says the country's detention centres encourage
abuse and depression and should be subject to an independent inquiry.

Dr NABIL SULAIMAN, vice chairman of the Australian Arabic Council, says the Australian
public shouldn't accept the conditions in remote centres such as Woomera and Derby.

He's described the conditions as unimaginable, alleging that many asylum seekers are
often verbally abused, put in solitary confinement and made to feel like prisoners by
centre staff.

Dr SULAIMAN's …