Illegal detention asylum seekers high court ruling crimes 20231114 p5yx0a.html – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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Three murderers, sex offenders among those released from detention after High Court ruling

Savannah Meacham

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Some of the crimes of asylum seekers released into the Australian community after a controversial High Court ruling have been revealed.

The High Court ruled the indefinite detention of a stateless Rohingya man who had served time for child sex offences was unlawful, saying it was unconstitutional to detain someone with no prospect of being removed from Australia.

This overturned a nearly 20-year precedent that allowed Australia to indefinitely detain asylum seekers who failed character assessments but were unable to be deported.

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Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs Andrew Giles during Question Time at Parliament.

Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs Andrew Giles. Alex Ellinghausen

Now, 81 people have been released on special visa conditions.

Immigration Minister Andrew Giles today revealed to parliament some of the crimes the individuals had committed which led to them failing character assessments.

"The decision of the High Court, which required release, affects some very, very serious offenders," Giles said.

"I believe there are three murderers. There are several sex offenders."

It is also understood among the group is an alleged hitman from Malaysia and an Iranian man accused of stabbings.

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Up to 94 people could be released under the ruling.

Earlier, Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus emphasised the safety of the Australian community remains the priority.

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