The Wire

Detainees at Baxter staged a protest this week, smashing windows and damaging property. The refugees were protesting against changes to the distribution of medication which sees them being led away in twos and often waiting for hours. This new process has many refugees fearful that they are actually being led away for deportation. Psychiatrists have consistently reported that the environment of fear inside Baxter is causing violence, depression, self-harm and suicide amongst the detainees. In fact, five detainees have attempted suicide in the last three weeks alone. Doctor John Juradini of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatry says that current treatment inside Baxter is not adequate and often does more harm than good.