Death of French national
Letter to the Editor - The Australian
9 September 2004
Dear Sir/Madam
John Kerin (French fury over detainee's death, 9/9) has ignored the facts presented to him in relation to the circumstances surrounding the death of a French national and instead chosen to misinform your readers.
Firstly, the international convention referred to by Kerin requires that a person should be given access to their consular representatives - this access is facilitated by the department.
However, it is entirely the detainees' choice as to whether such contact is made. For whatever reason, many people choose not to contact their consulate or embassy.
It is ludicrous to suggest, as Kerin does through his unnamed source, that coins would not be provided for such a phone call. Any and all requests to make contact with an Embassy or Consular are facilitated, including making a phone or fax available.
Kerin was also told that French consular representatives were informed of the hospitalisation of the man and in fact worked in a cooperative way with the department and the hospital to contact the next of kin.
At no time while in immigration detention was he denied treatment in accordance with medical advice. As soon as the man was found collapsed, he was given medical attention on-site and then taken by ambulance to hospital for treatment.
So let me be clear - all detainees have the right to access consular and embassy representatives but such contact is their choice.
Stewart Foster
Director
Public Affairs
DIMIA