Sunday January 10th, 7.50pm AEST
Another Tamil from the refugee boat in Merak was taken to hospital about an hour ago suffering a violent seizure. Kumar, who is one of the spokespeople on the boat, is one of several refugees who have had serious stomach complaints in recent weeks.The latest case comes only a couple of weeks after the death of Jacob Christin who died on the boat with a similar condition. Refugees told Socialist Party officials today that they had to carry Kumar all the way to the gates of the docks in order to convince the Navy to call an ambulance.

This comes after several other incidents where the Indonesian Navy has refused to provide the refugees with urgent medical assistance.

Alex, who is another spokesperson on the boat, said “At the moment we are not sure if he is stable or not. When we put him in the ambulance he was shaking violently like he was having a fit. We are really worried because to our knowledge he is not an epileptic.”

Socialist Party organiser and refugee rights activist, Anthony Main visited the boat in late November. Today he said “How many more refugees have to die in Merak before Kevin Rudd decides to act?

“It is up to Rudd to put an end to this stalemate. All the refugees are asking for is the same deal as those on the Oceanic Viking. It’s time for him to deliver.

“As a signatory of the UN refugee convention Rudd has a responsibly to act urgently and let these people come to Australia. The longer he waits the higher the risk that more lives will be lost as a result of his misnamed Indonesian Solution.” Anthony said.

For more information or interviews contact:

Socialist Party National Organiser, Anthony Main on               +61417368215        

Alex, spokesperson for the refugees in Merak on               +6281387780889       

http://www.socialistpartyaustralia.org/