Concerns for detainees as Mantra employee tests positive for COVID-19

Amnesty International Australia is seriously concerned for the health of refugees held in so-called alternative places of detention (APODs), after the news that an employee of the Mantra Bell Preston in Melbourne has been diagnosed with COVID-19. “Months ago, Amnesty, medical experts such as Professor David Isaacs and other civil society organisations warned that keeping …

Hotel must stop holding refugees’ health hostage and end their contracts with the Federal Government

Amnesty International Australia is calling on the Mantra Bell City Hotel in Melbourne and Kangaroo Point Central Hotel in Brisbane to end their contracts with the Federal Government to detain refugees held in crowded, unsafe conditions. Management of the Mantra Group and Central Apartment Group that runs Kangaroo Point have not responded to Amnesty’s letters …

Home Affairs must provide answers on removal of detainee to MITA

Responding to reports that APOD (alternative places of detention) detainee Farhad Bandesh was removed from the Mantra hotel to the MITA detention facility late last night, abruptly and without personal belongings, Amnesty International Australia Refugee Coordinator Dr Graham Thom said: “The Department of Home Affairs must provide an explanation for why Farhad was moved so …