Three charged following Villawood protest
Three foreign nationals are scheduled to appear before Campbelltown Local Court today for alleged offences committed during a protest at the Villawood Immigration Detention Centre (VIDC).
It is alleged the men, aged 44, 42 and 25 years, caused damage to VIDC property when they gained access to the roof and throughout the course of the protest that lasted several days.
As part of arrangements with Australian Border Force, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and NSW Police attended the protest.
Officers from the NSW Police Tactical Operations Unit arrested three men on the roof of one of the buildings yesterday afternoon (16 April). The three men were then transferred into AFP custody and charged at Bankstown Police Station.
The men were each charged with:
- Damaging Commonwealth property, contrary to s.132.8A of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), and
- 'Affray, contrary to s. 93C of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW)'
The maximum penalty for both offences is 10 years’ imprisonment.
There were no injuries to detainees or staff.
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