news

Two more asylum seekers have attempted suicide on Manus Island.

Trigger warning: This post deals with suicide and self-harm and may be triggering for some readers.

Two asylum seekers have tried to kill themselves at the Manus Island detention centre but have reportedly survived.

The ABC has received video footage appearing to show two men attempting to hang themselves, but being stopped by others in the centre.

Manus Island Protests continue. (Photo: ABC News)

Asylum seekers say the attempted suicide happened in Mike compound.

“Many people have decided to do suicide… our situation is critical,” one asylum seeker said.

There are unconfirmed reports two men in Foxtrot compound swallowed nail cutters and another swallowed razor blades in separate acts of self-harm.

Protests and hunger strikes continue at the Australian-run centre over plans to resettle refugees in Papua New Guinea.

Asylum seekers attempt suicide on Manus Island
Protests and hunger strikes continue at the Australian-run centre over plans to resettle refugees in Papua New Guinea. (Photo: ABC News)
ADVERTISEMENT

 

Earlier on Wednesday PNG’s government said weapons were not used by asylum seekers during a standoff with guards at the Manus Island detention centre on Monday, contradicting comments from Australia’s Immigration Minister.

Peter Dutton told the ABC’s 7:30 program on Tuesday that asylum seekers were armed with makeshift weapons when security guards forced entry into Delta compound to end a three-day blockade.

However, a PNG government spokesman told the ABC asylum seekers did not use weapons during the intervention.

The spokesman said police had found “weapons” during a later search of Delta compound, but was waiting for further information about what was found.

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call Lifeline on 13 11 14

This article originally appeared on ABC News, and has been republished here with full permission.

00:00 / ???