Wed 19 May 2010
Media respond to the cowardly failure of the Immigration Minister
Posted by Father Dave under Media Coverage[8] Comments
Monday, May 17th – the Minister for Immigration, Mr Chris Evans, decided NOT to intervene in Sheikh Mansour’s deportation process, choosing rather to hide behind the ageing negative security assessment that goes back to 2004.
The Sheikh’s support team, when they announced their disappointment with the Minister’s decision, mentioned too that the United Nations Human Right Committe had already written to the Australian government, asking them NOT to deport Sheikh Mansour until they could take a good look at his case and assess whether his funamental human rights had been violated by the Australian government in the way they handled the case!
Thus far the Minister has shown no indication that he is considering complying with the UN’s request!
The following major newspapers took up the story:
- Deportation of sheikh puts Australia at odds with the UN (Rick Fenely, Sydney Morning Herald)
- Iranian cleric loses battle to stay (James Madden, The Australian)
- Deporting sheikh would breach human rights ( Sarah Gerathy, ABC News)
The story was also picked up by the following TV media:
- SBS 9.30pm news:
- 10 News:
- ABC News
May 23rd, 2010 at 5:08 pm
Its a shame that one of the founding members of the united nations would so easily ignore a UN order 🙁 seems very hypocritical…
May 25th, 2010 at 1:26 pm
Members of the Marrickville Peace Group are saddened by the decision of Immigration Minister, Chris Evans to deport Sheikh Mansour Leghai after 16 years of peaceful living in Australia, This deportation is at odds with the request of the United Nation’s Human Right committee.
Sheikh Leghai is a respected community leader who has many local supporters.
What concerns us most is that Sheikh Leghai is not permitted to know the reason for his deportation. This is not usual in other Western democracies. If ASIO considers the material on which it has based its decision to be sensitive it would seem reasonable for the High Court Hearing to be held in camera. The Judge can then make an order for the information not to be disclosed. It is concerning that the Sheikh does not have an opportunity to respond.
May 25th, 2010 at 7:51 pm
Dear Father Smith
I read today, in the Inner West Courier, about your support of Dr Leghaei.
I am essentially an atheist hence have no affiliation with any church or religion – God perhaps exists in all of us – but I am extremely moved by the plight of Dr Leghaei and this inhumane treatment being meted out by the Federal Government and ASIO. I am all too familiar with ASIO and their actions, having been an ally of Mr Mamdouh Habib for several years; I know just what they are cable of. In the matter of Dr Leghaei it is incomprehensible that they can choose to deport someone who has resided in this country for 16 years yet grant permanent residency to his wife and son. All on the pretext that Dr Legaei might be an Iranian spy. The very idea is preposterous.
This is another case, yet another case, where government actions – albeit through its agencies – will wreak havoc on individuals and their families. All to prove some distorted point or cater to some twisted political agenda. I have never met Dr Leghaei or his family, but I would gladly have them under the same roof as myself, such is my faith in people. I think it is totally reprehensible that we (Australia) can act as though we were the US Administration of George W Bush and act against individuals without any evidence to support our actions. The US held Mamdouh without any substantial evidence being held against him; they release him without charge. If Dr Leghaei is guilty of anything, why was he allowed to remain in this country for sixteen years? Why, if he may be an Iranian spy, was he not charged long ago? Can we be sure that this deportation isn’t simply Australia seeking to prove to the US (Obama due in Australia later this year) that it too can be tough on that international pariah – Iran?
I see no reason why Iran would want to spy on Australia. It is very disappointing that – especially in the areas foreign policy and human rights – the Rudd Government is no different to the Howard regime.
Perhaps its time – as per the Red Shirts in Thailand – to take to the streets and reclaim true democracy for the people – perhaps where governments themselves are outlawed.
I am very impressed by your humanity and your involvement in the case of Dr Leghaei. I would be more than happy to be involved in any protest or undertaking that might see Senator Chris Evans step in and do the right thing by Dr Leghaei. This matter has shades of the Robert Jovicic case where we deported a man to Serbia who had never lived there.
Something has to be done to keep Dr Leghaei in this country. If we deport him then we have no nation worthy of being secure.
Please keep up the fight. Please let me know what I can do to assist. This is a deplorable situation.
Yours in humanity
Roy Barnes
PO Box 472
Croydon Park NSW 2133
02 9797 8835
0414 243 811
May 27th, 2010 at 7:51 pm
I suppose we should expect such vapidity from Senator Evans. With Abbott announcing that he would reintroduce the barbaric ‘pacific solution’ it was disturbing to note that Evans’ rejection of the policy made no reference to human rights concerns. He simply trotted out the same old concerns about people smugglers – something that seeks to avoid the real – and central – issues that underscore why people travel thousands of miles in un-seaworthy vessels.
No wonder that Evans cannot do the right thing by Dr Leghaei.
Politicians, time and again, let us down.
May 28th, 2010 at 2:36 am
Hi all,
Here are some more details regarding next thursday’s rally in support of Sheikh Mansour:
*Thursday 3rd of June* (in time with Parliament sitting)
Departure from Sydney: 6:30am gathering at various points
7am – Leave Sydney
11am – Arrive in Canberra (Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture in CSU)
12:30pm – Prayer & lunch, start walking to Parliament House
1pm – Start peaceful rally
1:30pm – Ministers head to Parliament
3pm – Head home
Dress: White & sky Blue (will be very cold)
Posters: Some will be provided
Food: Light lunch & dinner provided, best to bring something too
SMS your name, number and transport choice to 0424592718
OR register your attendance on this website above.
_________________________________________
Hope to see you all there and please bring as many people as you can (be sure to register everyone though)!
May 29th, 2010 at 9:40 am
I suppose we should expect such vapidity from Senator Evans. With Abbott announcing that he would reintroduce the barbaric ‘pacific solution’ it was disturbing to note that Evans’ rejection of the policy made no reference to human rights concerns. He simply trotted out the same old concerns about people smugglers – something that seeks to avoid the real – and central – issues that underscore why people travel thousands of miles in un-seaworthy vessels.
No wonder that Evans cannot do the right thing by Dr Leghaei.
Politicians, time and again, let us down.
June 28th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
who cares 1 less muslim in this once christian country
June 28th, 2010 at 7:26 pm
Silly, provocative statement Chris. Your ignorance really isn’t worthy of comment. Let’s leave it at that.