‘I don’t understand what the argument is to keep these people locked up’: Calls grow to free ‘imprisoned’ refugees

A DARWIN doctor says a federal government policy that has seen a group of refugees detained in a hotel for a year forced them “to watch their children grow up in prison” New data shows how long Territorians are likely to live based on their suburb School fight horror: Year 8 boy knocked out by older student NT’s economy set for ‘steady recovery’ Moody’s analysis shows but budget repair ‘unachievable’ Dr Parzhin Parin, a former refugee from Iran, made the remarks during a tearful speech to a crowd of more than 100 protesters who gathered outside the Mercure Hotel at Darwin Airport on Saturday. The group of 15 refugees arrived at the hotel a year ago after being flown from Nauru to Darwin for medical treatment. HOT NEW DEAL: Read everything for 28 days for just $1 Protesters have been gathering outside the hotel for about four weeks, urging the federal government to free them. “I don’t understand what the argument is to keep these people locked up,” Dr Parin said. Member for Johnston Joel Bowden also gave an impassioned speech and a statement by Senator Malarndirri McCarthy was read out. sarah.matthews@news.com.au