Fed: Rioting asylum seekers armed with spears and slingshots

AAP General News (Australia)
08-28-2000
Fed: Rioting asylum seekers armed with spears and slingshots

Police are using water cannons against rioting asylum seekers, armed with spears and
slingshots at the Woomera detention centre, in remote South Australia.

DAVID KIRBY, who operates a service station nearby, says he could see water cannons
mounted on special fire trucks used against about 100 protesters.

Early today, detainees set fire to a dining room and shower block at the centre.

Woomera residents reported that some of the inmates have also piled mattresses against
the perimeter fences and set them alight.

Over the weekend, 70 to 80 protesting detainees were sprayed with tear gas after they
stoned staff at the Woomera centre.

Immigration Minister PHILIP RUDDOCK defended the use of tear gas and water cannons,
saying it was justified because the the lives and safety of personnel at the centre were
at risk.

Mr RUDDOCK has told ABC radio, the detainees have made holes in the perimeter fence
and while there have been no escapes there is the intention to escape.

AAP RTV eg/mfh/jcc/jn

KEYWORD: BOAT WOOMERA (CANBERRA)

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