Migrant riot under
investigation
VANCOUVER - B.C.'s Attorney General Andrew
Petter has ordered an investigation into Monday's riot by Chinese
migrants at the Alouette River Correctional facility. Forty-nine
migrants went on a rampage at the jail. They broke windows, smashed
toilets and started a small fire.
'The futility
of incarcerating people indefinitely for a rather minor crime'
| An advocate for the migrants says
the outbreak of violence was the result of abuse by two prison
officials. Victor Wong also says they're frustrated by the fact
they're still locked up, almost a year after they arrived off the
coast of
The riot is just one of several incidents, including suicide
attempts and escapes.
This all comes as no surprise Dr. Don De Voretz, who's an expert
on immigration issues. "It shows the futility of incarcerating
people indefinitely for a rather minor crime," he says.
Dr. De Voretz says the real problem is the Chinese government,
which has no incentive to help speed up the process. He says the
federal government should pressure Beijing to accept the migrants
back.
The 49 prisoners have now been transferred to two separate
maximum security provincial jails.
|