A riot that started Sunday at the Christmas Island Detention Centre ended Tuesday as officers used tear gas and some force to stop the detainees who were threatening to use weapons against the officers. The rioters built barricades in the center and armed themselves with chainsaws, petrol bombs and machetes.
Reports say that the riot broke out when Fazel Chegeni, an Iranian refugee in his early 30s, was found dead by Australian Federal police at the base off a cliff after escaping from the center on Sunday. Though a formal investigation over his death is about to start, human rights advocates believe that his detention affected him severely, according to The New York Times.
Damages from the riot are estimated to at Aus$1 million (US$700,000). "A full survey of damage to the center is yet to be completed, but some common areas appear to be severely damaged," Dutton said.
A review of the security arrangements for the center will be conducted, authorities say. "There are lessons to be learnt, no doubt. If we need to provide additional security, that's exactly what we'll do," Dutton added, according to AFP.
