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Activists converge on Holsworthy Army Barracks
Dozens of refugee activists are shaking the gates and fences of Sydney's Holsworthy Army Barracks in a bid to gain access to 160 asylum seekers moved to the facility from Villawood detention centre. About 80 activists gathered outside the barracks say they want to visit the detainees, who were temporarily relocated from Villawood this week due to asbestos fears. A moderate police presence is also at the site, including PolAir, the dog squad and officers on foot.New South Wales Refugee Action Coalition spokesman Ian Rintoul said activists planned to ask for permission to visit the asylum seekers. Some of the protesters were also considering jumping the barracks' fences if they are not allowed in, he said. "We'll see how we go," Mr Rintoul said of attempts to enter the facility. "We're here to make the point that the fences should not be here." None of the detainees sent to Holsworthy have been allowed visits since being transferred from Villawood this week, Mr Rintoul said. Dozens of refugee activists are shaking the gates and fences of Sydney's Holsworthy Army Barracks in a bid to gain access to 160 asylum seekers moved to the facility from Villawood detention centre. Liverpool Local Area Commander Mick Plotecki later told the activists they would not be allowed through the gates. "My understanding is that while there is a protest on, visiting has ceased," Superintendent Plotecki told the demonstrators. The group gathered without shade in 30C heat, frequently shaking the flimsy front gates while chanting slogans and making speeches. About 20 operational support group officers were standing in a line on the other side of the gate. The hour-long protest at the Holsworthy gate broke up about 2pm as the group made plans to continue the protest at the empty Villawood detention centre. A small section of the group was nominated to formally seek permisison to enter the Holsworthy facility to visit the detainees. But an Immigration Department spokesman said visits at Holsworthy had been cancelled for the rest of today. He said there had been visits earlier today and yesterday but that they were halted at 11am on police advice concerning the protest. Posted by: Oztralian 2006-04-14 |
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