Federal government sued over Manus riotsAn asylum seeker who lost an eye during riots on Manus Island has launched legal action against the federal government.
The man, aged in his 30s, was hit in the face with a rock and claims authorities failed to ensure the safety of people housed in detention.
The asylum seeker cannot be named because of concerns of recriminations against his family.
Law firm Maurice Blackburn on Tuesday announced it had launched action in the Supreme Court of Victoria against the commonwealth and security company G4S.
Jane McDermott, principal at Maurice Blackburn, said the man was one of around 60 detainees injured during several nights of violent clashes, involving security and PNG locals, at the Manus Island detention centre in February this year.
"On the evening of 17th of February, 2014, people - locals and others - broke into his compound and started attacking the people housed there," Mrs McDermott told reporters in Melbourne.
"He was hiding under his bed in the room to escape all the activities and violence going on that night.
"He was struck in the face with a rock while he was seeking refuge from the violence."
The man suffered severe facial injuries, requiring a titanium plate to be inserted into his skull.
He is now blind in his right eye with no prospect of vision recovery, and is also being assessed for an acquired brain injury.
The man had been in detention on Manus island from October last year, after his asylum seeker boat was intercepted off Christmas Island.
Mrs McDermott said the man's case had parallels to the death of Iranian asylum seeker Reza Barati who was beaten to death during the same violent riots at the detention centre.
A directions hearing has been set down for September 13.
http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/latest/24357551/federal-government-sued-over-manus-riots/
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