Australia Seizes Norwegian Ship of Afghan Refugees

The captain of the Norweigian ship which had rescued 434 refugees who were mostly from Afghanistan took his ship into Australian waters, in an effort to force assistance from the Australian government which had denied the ship entry. Australian troops have now taken control of the ship, which includes many refugees in need of medical attention. Australia has been condemned internationally for its refusal to provide assistance to the refugees in a situation that is reminiscent of the ship of Jews seeking
asylum from Nazi Germany who were rejected from the ports of many countries before being sent back to their deaths in the Holocaust.

Media Resources: Reuters - August 29, 2001

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