By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
AN ASYLUM seeker whose burnt body is believed to have been found in Dandenong bushland on Sunday (18 October) allegedly self-immolated ahead of an appointment with the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.
An Afghan Hazara man, Kodayar Amini, 30, allegedly doused himself with petrol and set himself alight during a video call to Refugee Rights Action Network members that afternoon.
During the call, Amini had told the members he wanted to end his life because he feared the immigration department and police were pursuing him, according to a statement from RRAN.
“I can’t stay in detention centre,” he allegedly said.
Victoria Police said they received a report of a grass fire in Clow Street about 2.40pm on Sunday, where a body was discovered.
A police spokesman said the death was treated as non-suspicious and had been referred to the state Coroner.
Sri Samy, chief executive of Dandenong-based Friends of Refugees, said Amini was believed to have recently arrived in Dandenong from Sydney.
He was not believed to have had any family in the area.
Ms Samy said Amini feared that an appointment with the Department of Immigration and Border Protection on 19 October would lead to his re-detention and then deportation.
Though not knowing Amini personally, Ms Sami said she’d known many asylum seekers who had been forcibly deported.
“So many asylum seekers are scared of meeting with the immigration department in case they will be told they are re-detained and that they have been unable to prove they need protection.”
Asylum seekers whose claims for protection have been rejected just “lose all hope”, Ms Samy said.
“Can you imagine if you know that you’re going to be taken back into danger?
“We’re so lucky we live in a safe situation. We don’t have to be put through that fear and uncertainty.”
Refugee Rights Action Network member Sarah Ross said the Federal Government needed to give asylum seekers permanent protection from persecution.
“It should put an end to bridging visas and lift the mental anguish felt by those just wanting to be safe.
“Their situation is so bad, there’s only so much that mental health services can do.
“It’s like counselling a child for being abused by their parents and then sending them back into that home.”
The Department of Immigration and Border Protection stated it was aware of an incident on 18 October that may involve an “illegal maritime arrival”.
“As Victoria Police is investigating this incident it would not be appropriate to comment further.”
If you need help, call beyondblue on 1300 22 4636 or visit beyondblue.org.au, or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Read Amini’s statement here: Amini’s statement
