Court Clears Way for Refugees to Go to Nauru
The Australian government acted legally when it refused entry to 433 asylum seekers, a court ruled, clearing the way for the refugees to go ashore on the Pacific island nation of Nauru.
The disembarkation occurred early today as dozens of locals on Nauru gathered at a harbor to watch the Australian warship carrying the refugees, about two miles offshore.
“We want them to come, we want to shelter them,” Juliet Tatum said.
A panel of Federal Court justices overturned by 2 to 1 an earlier ruling by a single judge, who had determined that the refugees saved from a sinking ferry should be allowed into Australia.
Nauru agreed to take most of the refugees for $10.4 million in aid.
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