The Australian High Court has granted an interim injunction, blocking the government’s attempt to return 153 asylum seekers to the “Sri Lankan government, its military or its agents”, reported The Australian.
Justice Susan Crennan granted the injunction until 4pm local time on Tuesday, and noted that “the position of Tamil minority appears problematic” and that they had “made out a prima facie case for urgent relief”.
However she also noted that “it was not entirely clear what the next step for the plaintiffs” was and the application “appears somewhat speculative”.
Immigration Minister Scott Morrison admitted on Monday that Australia had handed over 41 asylum seekers to the Sri Lankan Navy.
Asylum seekers have already been tortured by Sri Lankan forces (04 July 2014)
UNHRC expresses 'profound concern' over Australia's handling of Tamil asylum seekers (03 July 2014)
SL navy official confirms asylum seekers to be handed back (02 Jul 2014)
Australia silent on fate of asylum seeker boat (30 Jun 2014)
Concern grows for 153 Tamil asylum seekers at sea (29 Jun 2014)
Australia denies asylum seeker boat in trouble (28 Jun 2014)
ATC calls on Australian government to ensure safety of stranded refugees (28 Jun 2014)
Tamil asylum seekers stranded in Australian waters, Abbott deflects questions (27 Jun 2014)
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