"The Papua New Guinea government and the officials have exerted control over the processing center and as a result normalcy has returned," PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill said, as quoted by the newspaper.
The protests at the Manus Island detention center started January 13. More than 700 people have been on hunger strike and four people have sewed their lips together in protest at the conditions and length of detention as well as plans by the Australian government to resettle the detainees in PNG. The protesters claimed that being resettled in PNG was unsafe due to local population's hostility.
Good luck buddy ����The first refugee released from #Manus to be resettled in PNG hopes he can contribute. #abc730 pic.twitter.com/K7aWTemSRO”
— Lady Catloaf (@g_guava) 27 января 2015
On Tuesday the detention center guards conducted raids arresting several more alleged protest leaders. A similar operation was conducted last Monday. As a result of the two raids more than 60 people were arrested, according to Guardian Australia.
Despite the protests and self-harm by the detainees, the Australian and PNG authorities are still planning to resettle them in PNG or return them to their countries of origin, the newspaper said.
Over 50 people have already received refugee status, while others still refuse to be settled in PNG.
A previous hunger strike at the Manus Island detention center dissolved into a riot in February 2014, which resulted in the death of one man, who was allegedly attacked by a local warden, a further 70 people were injured.
