An Australia-bound Iraqi family arrives at an Indonesian marine police station in Surabaya in East Java province on July 29, 2012. They were among a group of 66 Iraqi and Iranian asylum seekers who were rescued from a stricken boat by the Indonesian navy.
Australia's asylum seeker debate —
An Australia-bound Iraqi family arrives at an Indonesian marine police station in Surabaya in East Java province on July 29, 2012. They were among a group of 66 Iraqi and Iranian asylum seekers who were rescued from a stricken boat by the Indonesian navy.
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Over the weekend, Australian authorities intercepted six boats in the waters north east of Australia carrying 265 people. All occupants will be checked by doctors before being transferred to Christmas Island for processing, officials said.
Australia's asylum seeker debate —
Over the weekend, Australian authorities intercepted six boats in the waters north east of Australia carrying 265 people. All occupants will be checked by doctors before being transferred to Christmas Island for processing, officials said.
This boat carrying 150 suspected asylum seekers was spotted by Australian authorities prior to its sinking on June 27.
Asylum boat —
This boat carrying 150 suspected asylum seekers was spotted by Australian authorities prior to its sinking on June 27.
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Rescued suspected asylum seekers arrive at Christmas Island, south of Indonesia, on June 22, 2012, after their boat capsized spilling everyone on board into the water.
Australia's asylum seeker debate —
Rescued suspected asylum seekers arrive at Christmas Island, south of Indonesia, on June 22, 2012, after their boat capsized spilling everyone on board into the water.
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The boat was carrying about 200 people and Australian authorities believe all the passengers were male.
Australia's asylum seeker debate —
The boat was carrying about 200 people and Australian authorities believe all the passengers were male.
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So far, rescuers have saved 110 people from the ship, authorities say. Survivors have been transfered to Christmas Island.
Australia's asylum seeker debate —
So far, rescuers have saved 110 people from the ship, authorities say. Survivors have been transfered to Christmas Island.
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In addition to Australian relief efforts, Indonesia has sent two warships to assist the rescue.
Australia's asylum seeker debate —
In addition to Australian relief efforts, Indonesia has sent two warships to assist the rescue.
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Australian Home Affairs Minister Jason Clare said that one 13-year-old boy was among those rescued. All the rest were adults.
Australia's asylum seeker debate —
Australian Home Affairs Minister Jason Clare said that one 13-year-old boy was among those rescued. All the rest were adults.
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Mujtaba Ahmadi was just 15 years old when he left his family in Iran to flee to Australia. He spent months in detention centers on Christmas Island and Darwin before settling in Sydney.
Australia's asylum seeker debate —
Mujtaba Ahmadi was just 15 years old when he left his family in Iran to flee to Australia. He spent months in detention centers on Christmas Island and Darwin before settling in Sydney.
Mujtaba Ahmadi