Refugee-rights groups have accused immigration department and GSL management at the Villawood detention centre of collective punishment of detainees in the aftermath of two detainees escaping on the evening of April 19.
Almost immediately after the escape, the remaining detainees' internet access was stopped and they were called to a muster in the visitor's area for a head count. GSL guards forced detainees who have been on a hunger strike for 24 days to "walk" to the muster, despite their weakened condition. An eyewitness reported that at least one hunger striker, struggling to walk, was pushed by a male GSL guard.
Ian Rintoul, a spokesperson for the Refugee Action Coalition (RAC), said: "There is no excuse for the mistreatment of the hunger strikers … A head count could have been made without forcing the hunger strikers to the muster area.
"As for the hunger striker being pushed, in any event that would be an assault, but to push such a weakened individual is just malicious. The particular guard has been identified and we will be seeking statements for a complaint to Villawood management and police."
The hunger strike began in protest against the forced deportation of detainees. In carrying out the deportations, said Rintoul, two people were snatched in early morning raids on their rooms. "Others were called to bogus interviews before being removed to high-security areas. Two others were held for weeks in solitary confinement." According to RAC, since the hunger strike began, management has increased restrictions throughout the detention centre.
On April 18, 35 people held a speak-out outside the immigration department offices in Sydney to show their solidarity with the hunger strikers. The action was addressed by a former Villawood detainee, and spokespeople for RAC and Community Action Against Homophobia.