Footy stars rally to support refugees

Former Socceroo Craig Foster and ex-Richmond star Joel Bowden have joined forces to call for the immediate release of nine refugees who have been held in detention in Darwin for more than 12 months. The Iranian refugees are being held in indefinite detention after being detained on Nauru in 2013 and flown to Darwin for medical treatment last February under the since repealed Medevac legislation. While dozens of others in similar situations have since been given bridging visas as they await settlement overseas the so-called ‘Darwin Nine’ remain in limbo. The Department of Home Affairs says the government’s position is steadfast saying “persons under regional processing arrangements will not settle permanently in Australia.” “Transitory people should finalise their medical treatment so they can continue their resettlement pathway … to the United States … or return to Nauru, Papua New Guinea or their home country”. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au