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| Tamil asylum seekers on the boat (Photos SMH) |
The Australian government is alleged to have paid thousands of dollars to people smugglers on a boat carrying asylum seekers, who were then returned to Indonesia, the Sydney Morning Herald reported on Wendesday.
The boat carried 65 people, including Tamils and people from Burma fleeing persecution.
Indonesian police chief Mr Hidayat, said six crew members, who were arrested when they arrived at Rote, said they had been given $US5000 each by Australian officials.
Australia’s Immigration Minister Peter Dutton denied the allegations and refused to comment further, citing the government's policy of not commenting on "on-water matters".
A letter to the New Zealand government signed by the asylum seekers says Australian officials paid the six crew members at least $A7000 each.
"Then they take away our better boat and give two small boats that had just a little dry foods like biscuits and chocolates, and they also give very little fuel, just 200 litres for four to five hour journey," the letter says.
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The letter explains how the asylum seekers set off for New Zealand on May 5, after living in Indonesia for a few months.
"Then we hope you [New Zealand] can give asylum and you can also give a peaceful life for us."
It continues to say, how the boat was intercepted and searched by Australian customs officers on May 17, who warned: "You don't try to come in Australia and don't try to use Australia water area also."
The letter says the navy and Customs returned six days later and removed the captain for a secret six-hour interview. It says the asylum seekers were then removed from their boat and kept in jail-like conditions on a navy ship for several days.
"Then they separate our six sailors and donated them by giving at least $A7200 per person. They never ask to us any opinions and they also never accept our petition," the letter says.
Do not return asylum seekers to Sri Lanka – Tamil clergy (08 June 2015)
Shipwrecked asylum seekers appeal for help from New Zealand (06 June 2015)
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