... wrote on Sep 13
th, 2010 at 4:34pm:
[quote]
Tensions between two ethnic groups sparked a riot at Christmas Island detention centre in November last year in which 50 people were injured, a Perth court was told.
Five Sri Lankan men stand accused of participating in a riot and possessing a weapon. Charges against a sixth man, Ganeshalingam Suntharalingham, were dropped after Magistrate Steven Malley ruled the only evidence against him was inadmissable in court as he did not fully understand he was a suspect when questioned by Australian Federal Police.
A PERTH magistrate says the immigration department "effectively sabotaged" police investigations into a riot by detainees on Christmas Island and allowed key players to escape justice.
Magistrate Stephen Malley today ruled on whether five Sri Lankan Tamil detainees took part in a riot at the detention centre on November 21 last year.
He said it was "bizarre" that within 48 hours of the extremely violent riot, the immigration department shipped off 40 detainees to mainland detention centres, many of whom were heavily involved in the violence.
The actions of the immigration department "effectively sabotaged" investigations into the riot by the Australian Federal Police, Mr Malley said.
Read more: http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/magistrate-blasts-immigration-department/story-e6frfku0-1225948010545#ixzz14MN8Ic54