Julian2 Posted January 31, 2007 Report Share Posted January 31, 2007 Man released after five years on Nauru By Nick Butterly January 31, 2007 01:42pm Article from: AAP AN Iraqi man who had been detained on Nauru for more than five years was released from detention today following a fresh security assessment by spy agency ASIO. Muhammad Faisal, 27, who was transferred from the remote island to a psychiatric facility in Brisbane late last year because of concerns about his mental health, was released by authorities at noon today. The decision leaves only one man on Nauru, Iraqi Mohammad Sagar. Both men were found by the department to have genuine fears of persecution if they returned to Iraq, but an ASIO ruling later overrode those concerns. The change of heart by the security agency raises concerns about the accuracy of the original ASIO assessments of Mr Faisal and Mr Sagar. A spokesman for the immigration department confirmed Mr Faisal had been granted a permanent protection visa. "He will live for the time being in Brisbane and will have access to medical and social workers," the spokesman said. "The department found Faisal had strong claims for refugee status but as a result of an adverse security assessment from the relevant agency his claims were denied." During Mr Faisal's time in hospital, case workers confirmed he was suffering from severe mental health problems, most likely brought on by the indeterminate nature of his detention. Mr Sagar is set to leave the Pacific island nation soon, following efforts by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees to move him to a Scandinavian country. Mr Faisal had at one point been placed on 24-hour watch because of suicide fears. Both men had been accused of being uncooperative in the interviews with immigration and security officials. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julian2 Posted January 31, 2007 Author Report Share Posted January 31, 2007 Didn't Honest John aka Johnny2Goode aka Johnny the Weasel win an election by swearing that none of the Nauru detainees would ever set foot in Australia? Oh well, at least there's one still there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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