Asylum seekers attempt escape amid calims of self-harm

An aerial view of Manus Island. Picture: Gary Ramage Source: News Limite
A GROUP of asylum seekers have tried to escape from Manus Island amid claims up to three refugees have attempted to commit suicide or self-harmed over conditions at the new offshore processing centre.

In claims disputed by the government, the Refugee Action Coalition claimed an Iraqi father attempted to hang himself yesterday morning and was being treated at the medical centre.
It came after two younger Iraqis allegedly tried to commit suicide on Saturday night by escaping, climbing the camp fence and walking into the sea. They were rescued by guards.
But the government yesterday had a different view, insisting three recent arrivals attempted to escape and there had only been one instance of self-harm.
"The escape attempt was thwarted and the three men were returned to the reception centre," an Immigration Department spokesman said.
"One of those men later today was treated after he banged his head against a fence.

He was treated at the center's medical facility. That is the extent of any self-harm."
But RAC spokesman Ian Rintoul said one asylum seeker told the Refugee Action Coalition that the man yesterday tried to hang himself and "looked dead" when he was taken down.
He said internet access had also been cut.
"Most of the those transferred yesterday have refused to eat meals," Mr Rintoul said.
"The Refugee Action Coalition is calling on the government to halt the discriminatory transfers of asylum seekers to Manus Island and Nauru; to end the Pacific Solution 2.0 and to make immediate arrangements to bring all asylum seekers to mainland Australia." AAP