Boy Allegedly Raped On Nauru Does Not Exist

[icyfroth]

The five-year-old boy allegedly raped on Nauru does not exist, a Senate committee has been told.

“There is no five-year-old child, it’s a figment,” immigration department secretary Michael Pezzullo told an estimates hearing in Canberra on Monday.

He blamed refugee advocates for making inaccurate allegations and media advocacy “parading as journalism”.

The department followed up the claims with pediatrician Karen Zwi who raised concerns about a case.

She did not say the child was five or had been raped, as reported by the ABC.

Department official Cheryl-Anne MoY told the hearing the child at the centre of the claims was actually more than twice that age. “The allegation was of a sexual assault from another child who was two years older - it was physical skin-to-skin contact,” she said.

“It wasn’t an allegation of rape.” The hearing was told the boy is now living in the community in NSW and receiving appropriate care.

“It would be very helpful for advocates ... to get their facts right,” Mr Pezzullo said.

Refugee advocates seized on the rape claim ahead of the High Court rejecting a challenge to Australia’s offshore processing arrangements.

Entire Article Here

Bit of miseading journalism there to whip up public outrage.

[the_great_she_elephant]

I understand it was a confusion of two cases a 5 year old who was sexually assaulted and a 10 year old who was raped. Careless reporting by the ABC nevertheless - I bet they'll get a b*llocking on Media Watch next week.

[non_caporal]

I'm more a lurker, however was shocked by this post. The 7.30 intial report was accurate then the story became confused in latter reportieng. Not good ABC. However a 5year was sexually assualted and a 10year old raped. The reporting Doctor is standing by his reporting of both these cases. A 5 year old sexually assualted.... A 10 year old raped.... Shouldn't a civilised society be outraged that this is occuring? That it is occuring to people who came to us seeking sanctuary and are in our care? Lets bash the ABC instead, it's easier than acknowledging children being harmed in our care!

[Anonymous]

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@the_great_she_elephant wrote:

I understand it was a confusion of two cases a 5 year old who was sexually assaulted and a 10 year old who was raped. Careless reporting by the ABC nevertheless - I bet they'll get a b*llocking on Media Watch next week.

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careless reporting, yes.

"In addition on at least one occasion the incident was referred to as a rape instead of an alleged rape. ABC News apologises for the errors and confusion."

[lloydslights]

I believe they are "alleged" at this stage.  

DEB

Edited:  Of course, I am concerned about the allegations.

[debra9275]

the opening post is totally incorrect

especially this part

Bit of misleading journalism there to whip up public outrage.

it involves two boys one aged 5 and one aged 10,  ( the journalist got the two boys mixed up and the ABC has apologized) if  the stories are true about both children and whichever way around it is regarding their ages, it's a shameful disgrace

[non_caporal]

Sorry I should have been clear and stated alleged... However even allaged is something to worry about.

[kilroy_is_here]

It wouldn't have made any difference if they were locked up in Australia or Nauru , the perpetrator should be denied access to Australia and be shipped back to their country of origin , we don't need or want rapists imported into Australia we have enough home grown ones to deal with

[donnashuggy]

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@kilroy_is_here wrote:

It wouldn't have made any difference if they were locked up in Australia or Nauru , the perpetrator should be denied access to Australia and be shipped back to their country of origin , we don't need or want rapists imported into Australia we have enough home grown ones to deal with

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?

What an odd thing to say

[lloydslights]

I found the reporting of ABC's apology confusing as well.  

DEB