27 Nov 2006

ASIO appeals opening assessment of two Iraqi refugees in Nauru

2:55 pm on 27 November 2006

The Australian Intelligence Agency, or ASIO, is appealing against the decision that the lawyer of two Iraqi refugees on Nauru be allowed to see their negative security assessments.

Mohammed Sagar and Muhammad Faisal were taken to processing centres on Nauru five years ago and although they have been declared refugees they are considered to be a national security risk.

Earlier this month, their lawyer the right to see the documents, which outline on what grounds they are deemed to be a risk.

But ASIO is appealing the decision in the Federal Court in Melbourne today, and a refugee advocate, Susan Metcalfe, says this won't help them.

"Today there's an appeal in the court about Mohammed Sagar and Mohammed Faisal being able to get the information contained in the ASIO decision. I'm not a lawyer, but these things tend to go on for a long time, so I am not very hopeful that that will help the Mohammeds' immediate situation."

Refugee advocate, Susan Metcalfe.

While Mr Faisal was taken to Australia for psychiatric care in August, Mr Sagar remains on Nauru.