Sick Tamil refugee detained for 11 years  Rajan Navanthirasa, 48, has been in Australian immigration detention for 11 years. Source:Canberratimes A Tamil refugee who has been in Australian immigration detention for 11 years is pleading for freedom while being treated for blood cancer. Rajan Navanthirasa, 48, came to Australia by boat in 2009 and, according to his lawyer, has been assessed by the Australian government as in need of protection. Human Rights For All director Alison Battisson says the Department of Home Affairs has recommended her client for release into the community but despite that, his detention continues. “He is a lovely, gentle man who doesn’t have a criminal record and has been recognised as having protection obligations owed to him,” Ms Battisson told AAP. Mr Navanthirasa was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2018 and began chemotherapy in 2020. He has been housed in Melbourne Immigration Transit Accommodation in Broadmeadows throughout. ...

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