Riot in Indian Ocean detention centre for asylum-seekers after man dies

A major riot has broken out at a remote detention centre for asylum-seekers in the Indian Ocean.

Australia’s immigration department said there was a “major disturbance” at the centre on the country’s territory of Christmas Island, with reports of damage but no injuries.

Refugee advocates said the riot broke out following the death of an asylum-seeker who escaped on Saturday.

The man was found the following day at the bottom of cliffs on the island. His death is being investigated.

The department denied there was a “large-scale” riot, but said staff had withdrawn from the compound for safety reasons.

Disturbance in Australian detention centre after death of asylum seeker https://t.co/66b34xPQj2 pic.twitter.com/emrdDiUIN3

— Mashable (@mashable) November 9, 2015

The problem began when a small group of Iranian detainees staged a peaceful protest following the asylum- seeker’s death.

Other detainees began damaging property, starting small fires, according to the department.

The group leading the unrest appeared to be detainees being held there because their visas were cancelled, rather than asylum-seekers, the department said.

New Zealand MP Kelvin Davis, who recently visited the island, said a New Zealander held there told him that detainees had taken over the centre.

“They have put holes in the walls, so even if they are rounded up and put back in the cells they actually can’t be locked up,” Davis told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

The immigration department said the perimeter was secure. Australia has taken a tough stance in recent years on asylum seekers who try to reach its shores illegally.