5 The great escape

In March 2002, approximately 1000 protesters converged on the remote (now closed) Woomera immigration detention centre in South Australia. Their intention was to demonstrate their opposition to Australia's mandatory detention policies and to show solidarity with the detained asylum seekers who were protesting inside the centre. As has been memorably recorded on film, ² the protesters unexpectedly broke through the perimeter fence to come face to face with the detainees. With all parties clearly taken by surprise, sections of the security fence were prised open and about 50 detainees managed to break out. Given the spontaneous nature of the escape and the lack of any obvious place of refuge in the open desert, most either surrendered or were recaptured immediately. However, 12 remained at large for over three years. ³ In 2005, two Iranian escapees were arrested in Melbourne and re-detained, although both subsequently had their claims for refugee status accepted. This triggered a series of surrenders by the remaining escapees during 2006. Eventually all of the 12 were accepted as refugees and were granted permanent residence. At least one now has citizenship.