Asylum seeker at Manus Island attempts suicide

In some very distressing news, a source has told me that an asylum seeker in Delta compound on Manus Island attempted suicide this morning, Thursday 28 May.

My source says the asylum seeker tied a noose around his neck and jumped off a building in Delta compound.

My source says the asylum seeker was taken to the IHMS medical centre.

Another source has told me that the asylum seeker is now in the green zone and is on whisky watch. The green zone is located between Foxtrot and Mike compounds and is used for ‘supported accommodation’. It consists of a couple of rooms. The green zone is also where the phone are located for use by Foxtrot, Oscar and Delta compounds. Mike compound has its own phones. Whisky watch is when guards monitor asylum seekers who have self-harmed/attempted suicide/have mental health issues.

On Monday, a refugee at East Lorengau attempted suicide twice. He was taken to jail on Tuesday and held overnight without charge. Sources say he was taken to jail after he started yelling, swearing and threw a rubbish bin, and said he would attempt suicide again. Sources have told me that he has still not received any medical care.

Many of the asylum seekers I speak to are quite depressed, telling me they have lost hope and are slowly dying in detention. It’s extremely concerning.

If this issue has raised any concerns for you, please contact Lifeline: 13 11 14 or beyondblue: 1300 22 4636.