On August 17, Ali Humayun, a Pakistani gay man locked up in Sydney's Villawood detention centre, received a report from the federal ombudsman recommending he be released into the general community while he waits for the High Court to hear his appeal against a decision by a member of the Refugee Review Tribunal (RRT) to reject granting him refugee status.
Humayun argues that he faces persecution, even the possibility of death, if he returns to his homeland, where homosexuality is illegal. The RRT member, Giles Short, had ruled that Humayun's homosexuality was "contrived" and "situational", ie, a result of his detention.
The ombudsman's report states that Humayun "is suffering from major depression and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) ... the detention facility environment being a factor in hastening the deterioration of his mental state ...
"The ombudsman recommends the [immigration] minister consider alternative detention arrangements or the use of his powers under Section 195A to grant [Humayun] a suitable visa with work rights subject to appropriate health and security checks."
Community Action Against Homophobia (CAAH) has set up a fund to continue the fight to free Ali Humayun. Donations may be made to Rachel L Evans, ATF, Free Ali Beg Humayun, 73206 630593. For more information, phone Rachel Evans on 0403 798 420 or visit <http://www.caah.org>.