FED:No hunger strike says immigration

AAP General News (Australia)
08-06-2011
FED:No hunger strike says immigration

The Immigration Department says it isn't aware that any of the asylum seekers facing
transfer to Malaysia have launched a hunger strike, despite claims from a refugee activist.

It's claimed the Refugee Action Coalition received a distress call from one of the
asylum seekers yesterday who said the group was in a bad way and needs help.

They also said some were starting a hunger strike.

A spokesman for the Department of Immigration and Citizenship says just because someone
misses a meal or two doesn't mean they're on a hunger strike.

He says such action wouldn't have an effect on their situation and the group of asylum
seekers will be transferred to Malaysia, as part of the Gillard government's swap deal
with Kuala Lumpur, as soon as practicable.

AAP RTV mb/sw

KEYWORD: BOAT HUNGER (CANBERRA)

� 2011 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.