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Ruddock
denies mass suicide claims from illegal immigrants
The Immigration
Minister, Phillip Ruddock, has rejected claims of a possible mass suicide
by illegal immigrants.
There have been reports 100 people of Middle
Eastern origin at Curtin Detention Centre, near Derby, in Western
Australia's north-west, are planning to take their own lives.
They
are reportedly demanding their applications for asylum be processed more
quickly.
But Mr Ruddock says he is unaware of any mass suicide
pact.
"I know nothing which would substantiate a view that we are
likely to experience a mass effort on the part of some people to take
their own lives," he said.
Tension
However, the
Immigration Department says there has been tension among Middle Eastern
boat people at the centre but has refused to confirm or deny reports of a
mass suicide threat.
A spokesman says it has been difficult to
explain processing procedures to large numbers of Iraqis who have tried to
enter Australia illegally.
He says the situation is also being
complicated by misleading information that has been given to the Iraqis by
people-smugglers.
The spokesman says the influx of boat people has
led to processing times being extended and this has been complicated by
many of the boat people disposing of passports and other
identification.
He says the department will stand firm against
threats designed to force it to deliver outcomes that are not in
accordance with Australian law.
'Get out':
Court
The Premier of Western Australia, Richard Court, says
illegal immigrants will not improve their chances of staying in Australia
by threatening suicide in detention camps.
Mr Court says he has no
sympathy with those complaining, as they are here illegally, but it would
be a tragedy if something happened.
"No one should commit suicide.
If they don't like the place, get out," he said.
"I mean, they have
made a conscious decision to illegally come into this country and they are
not in a very strong position to be calling the shots."
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