Asylum seeker sets himself on fire after losing hope of residing in Australia

Asylum seeker – Communities

The tragic death of an asylum seeker in Dandenong has highlighted the devastating impact of the Australian government’s refugee policies, a Refugee Council spokesperson said.

“Manu was just 23 years old and had a life ahead of him, with its ups and downs.

But there was the psychological torment that the Australian government’s cruel and inhumane policies had inflicted on him.

In addition to the personal challenges, the difficulty of living in a mental and physical prison and the suppression of freedoms.

This led him to believe that he had nothing left to live for.”

“We have seen countless refugees lose their lives while waiting for permanent visas,” said Rathi Barthlott, who was by his side in hospital when he died.

“Now, we are grieving the loss of another young man, like so many other young Tamils on temporary visas,” he added.

He would wake up every day wondering if today would be the day he would be forced to return to the persecution he fled.”

Manu, a Christian from the Puttalam area of Sri Lanka, arrived in Australia by boat from India in 2012.

He was detained for several months upon arrival, but was eventually released and rejoined the community.

He came to Australia at the age of 11 with his parents and four siblings after his family fled Sri Lanka due to threats from the Sri Lankan military.

On Tuesday evening, Manu set himself on fire after dousing himself with petrol, leaving 80 per cent of his body with burns.

He later died of his injuries at Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital at around 12pm today.

“Manu has been waiting for more than 12 years to find out if he could stay in Australia and escape the persecution he feared in Sri Lanka,” Barthlott said.

“He was fully aware of the statements made by the Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke, in which he expressed his intention to deport asylum seekers who fell victim to the fast-track process.”

“His mental health has deteriorated under the pressure of visa uncertainty, leading to this devastating outcome.

“We have now lost two lives in one month, and we fear more could follow,” he added.

Many Tamil asylum seekers have told me they would rather die here than be returned to face torture in Sri Lanka.

I have always hoped these were just words. It is unfortunate that this does not appear to be the case.”

Australia Today mourns Manu and extends its condolences to his family and friends.

Australia Today urges all asylum seekers to contact the newspaper to publish their applications and send them to officials so that the matter can reach Parliament.

Or via email: info@australiatoday.press