FED:Detention centre up in flames

AAP General News (Australia)
04-21-2011
FED:Detention centre up in flames

Fire crews are still putting out fires at Sydney's Villawood Detention Centre after
buildings were torched during a violent protest overnight.

Immigration Department spokesman SANDI LOGAN says that at its height .. about 100 detainees
were involved in the riot and key facilities including a kitchen and medical centre were
destroyed.

He says furniture was thrown at firefighters .. who had to be protected by police as
they did their job .. and miraculously .. no one was hurt.

It all started yesterday morning with a rooftop protest by two asylum seekers who'd
reportedly had their claims denied.

Refugee advocacy groups are blaming the frustration of those who've been waiting for
more than a year for their asylum bids to be processed.

AAP RTV pc/jr/jmt

KEYWORD: DETAINEE (SYDNEY)

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