The government and PNG Immigration have been called on to intervene and do something about the behaviour of those at the regional processing centre in Manus before locals retaliate.
Manus MP Ronny Knight said this following the alleged sexual assault of a Grade Nine student in Manus last Tuesday at the Harbour side hotel.
The alleged perpetrator has been identified as asylum seeker Rajeev Rajendran, from Sri Lanka (31). He was arrested and charged over the weekend by police and appeared in court on Monday.
Knight said this (sexual assault) is a result of nothing being done to move the asylum seekers and refugees to a country that will settle them.
“This is one case we have before the law. Many have been unreported,” Knight said.
“PNG immigration and government must do something or there will be retaliation and violence soon.
“No one is listening to the cries of the Manus community! I demand justice for my people!”
This is the sixth arrest in Manus concerning asylum seekers and refugees since the New Year. Five others were arrested and charged with charges ranging from drunk and disorderly behaviour, resisting police arrest and being in possession of drugs. One was also arrested in Port Moresby for being in possession of drugs.
While refugees and asylum seekers have been arrested lately for a number of offenses in the province, Knight said the three Wilson securities from Australia are yet to face justice.
The three Australians worked at the Centre in Lombrum as security guards when they allegedly drugged and sexually assaulted a local woman who was an employee of Transfield on the night of July 15, 2015.
It is alleged the woman had been drinking with the Wilson security guards when she was allegedly drugged and later found naked and unconscious in a bathroom at the security staff quarters.
“Does Australia, PNG, Broadspectrum (Transfield) and Wilson security really think they can ignore this issue? Do they want a lawsuit to force them to respect our people?
“We demand that the Wilson rapists be returned for trial,” Knight said.
Meanwhile, there have been concerns on social media over the engagement in sexual activities between those from the Centre and young girls in the province.
Knight said persons organising these activities have been identified.