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Family demand answers over detainee's treatment at Yongah Hill
Rouke Walsh and Amelia BrounThe West Australian
Tuesday, 4 September 2018 6:17PM
Man declared brain dead after detention centre suicide attempt
VideoHis family claim he was treated like an animal, and wasn't given proper medical care.
The devastated family of an Iraqi man who is on life-support after a suicide bid has demanded answers about the mental health support he was provided at Yongah Hill Immigration Detention Centre.
Saruuan Aljhelie, 22, is in a critical condition at Royal Perth Hospital but was not expected to survive once doctors switched off his life-support.
Mr Aljhelie was taken to hospital after he tried to take his own life in his cell on Sunday night.
Camera IconSaruuan Aljhelie is in a critical condition in Royal Perth HospitalPicture: Supplied
The incident sparked anger and protests from his friends at the facility. It escalated when they set light to mattresses, clothing and other property. Reports suggest the riot caused about $500,000 damage.
It is believed Mr Aljhelie had self-harmed on Sunday morning but was released back into the detention centre just hours later.
Elder brother Fadee Aljhelie said his family were unsure why he had been transferred to Yongah Hill, near Northam, only weeks ago, having previously been held at Villawood Immigration Detention Centre in Sydney.
"We need answers from everyone responsible for keeping my brother in the detention centre," he said.
"Why did they send him to Perth, he should have been in Sydney with his family. Why did they send him to Perth far away?
Border force officials are remaining tight-lipped on where the detainees have been taken, but refugee advocates say flights left the airport during the day, with 40 detainees put onto planes in handcuffs.
VideoBorder force officials are remaining tight-lipped on where the detainees have been taken, but refugee advocates say flights left the airport during the day, with 40 detainees put onto planes in handcuffs.
"Two days ago he did call my sister. He wasn't OK and when he talked he didn't sound comfortable. If something is wrong get them to a psychologist. If I am sick get me to a doctor, do not put me between four walls."
Mr Aljhelie said his brother was being held in immigration detention after his visa was revoked over drug possession.
He said his brother was a father of two young daughters and had come to Australia as an asylum seeker from Iraq.
"It was a very bad feeling for our family," he said.
"He's got daughters, he has kids. He has died and he is so young. He's my brother but he is like my son as well because he has grown up with me. I can't imagine that my brother has died like that."
Australian Border Force said on Monday: "All detainees receive appropriate medical and mental health care. Claims to the contrary are incorrect. We will not be providing further comment on this individual's health or immigration status for privacy reasons."
If you know someone who is contemplating self-harm contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue 1300 22 4636.
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