Friday, December 17, 2004

The government once again avoid others finding the truth

Mental fears for hunger strikers - Immigration - www.theage.com.au

There are fears for the mental health of those hunger striking at Baxter Immigration Detention Centre. An alliance of independent psychiatrists and GP's have been formed to access those hunger striking, including those who have sewn their lips together. But the group has been denied access, the government claims that there is to much hype about the ordeal, and they shouldn't be negotiated with. Does the government have any compassion, for someone to take such a drastic stand would require some sort of severe suffering. Dr Newman said: "This latest outbreak of despair and self-harm is entirely predictable. Long-term detention damages psychological health and the prospect of indefinite detention results in hopelessness and mental deterioration."