Disputed facts to be argued in the case involving Asylum seekers held against their will at the Regional Processing Center in Manus have been settled by parties involved in the case.
The Supreme Court was informed of this when the matter returned before Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia for directions.
Counsel representing applicant Benham Satah and 300 others, Ben Lomai informed the court that the agreed facts that will be brought before the court’s attention was agreed to on May 24.
Amongst those facts to be settled is the transfer of the Asylum Seekers from Australia’s Christmas Island to Manus against their will. This issue was already dealt in the special reference filed by Vanimo Green MP Belden Namah. The same reference that fund the setting up of the centre as unconstitutional and illegal.
The Chief Justice told the court the matte will be listed on the Supreme Court fast track list.
The matter will return to court next Thursday, June 16, for further directions.
Principal applicant in the case, Benham Satah and 300 others in Manus held in Manus will be asking the court through their lawyers for summary judgment of the matter.
They will be relying on the case filed by Vanimo-Green MP Beldan Namah which found the setting up of the center Unconstitutional and illegal in April.
They are also seeking an enforcement claim for compensation of human rights breaches valued between K1.8 to K2 million from the Commonwealth who is responsible for all the costs associated with offshore processing.