Ruth Halbert
artist, weaver
Paper boat Rud.jpg

Blog: Dear Prime Minister

On July 30 2016 I started writing letters to the Prime Minister of Australia to protest against the imprisonment and torture of the asylum seekers in the offshore detention centres of Manus Island and Nauru. I started with the intention of writing a letter a day for every person in detention until they are all freed. There are more than 1800 asylum seekers in off shore detention. These are those letters and any response from Mr Turnbull.

End offshore detention #253

Dear Prime Minister,

On ABC radio news today you were reported as being "non-committal" when asked about what would happen to the detainees on Manus Island and Nauru. The Financial Review headlines you as "undecided on unwanted asylum seekers." You have had four years to decide. Four years of these detainees lives lost to torture and degradation.

Photo: Hesam Fetrati

Photo: Hesam Fetrati

In Behrouz Boochani and Arash Kamali Sarvestani's movie "Chauka please tell us the time" a Manusian mans says "It's so frustrating to hear that name Chauka being used for the purpose of abusing people, or torturing people, or threatening people. ... We took them here to care for them until they find such place where they can settle."

As Mr Sarvestani says, we Australian have abdicated responsibility for the refugees, and by our racism and your unforgivable indecision, Prime Minister, we victimise both Manusians and refugees.

lies, rhetoric, artRuth HalbertBehrouz Boochani, Chauka, Manus IslandComment