WA: AFP to investigate Curtin detention centre riot
By Andrea Mayes
PERTH, April 24 AAP - Australian Federal Police officers were due to visit Curtin detentioncentre today to investigate last Friday's riot which left 28 staff injured and causedsignificant property damage.
About 100 inmates, angry that their visa applications had been rejected, led a riotat the centre in Western Australia's far north on Friday, and a standoff with severalhundred detainees continued for several days.
An immigration department spokesman said the centre was calm today and no further incidentshad been reported.
He said detainees were continuing to hand over weapons and negotiations with detaineerepresentatives were continuing to ensure all weapons were surrendered.
Acting immigration minister Chris Ellison said yesterday five knives and two meat cleavershad been voluntarily handed over by inmates.
The spokesman said AFP officers would visit the centre today to begin an investigationinto the disturbance and interview witnesses.
"The clean-up of the centre is continuing with the cooperation of detainees and tradespeoplerepairing lights, windows and kitchen equipment," he said.
There were about 340 people in Curtin detention centre and it is being wound down mid-year.
Port Hedland detention centre, also in WA's far north, was also calm today.
Disturbances were reported at that centre two days ago when detainees ripped supportsfrom a fence and began destroying property. A fire was also lit, causing minor damage.
The spokesman said Port Hedland had been peaceful overnight with no further reports of trouble.
AAP alm/sd/jnb/de
KEYWORD: CURTIN AFP
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