Australian police have ended a mass breakout and seven-hour demonstration by almost 100 reportedly Afghan asylum-seekers who broke out of an Australian immigration detention centre.

Some 92 detainees escaped from the centre in the city of Darwin on Wednesday at about 6:30 am. The protesters reportedly unfurled banners saying, "We need protection not detention" and “Show us mercy”.
The Afghans said they were protesting against months in custody since their arrival in Australia by boat.

The mass break-out followed two days of riots by more than 100 alleged Indonesian people-smugglers on Sunday and Monday. The centre houses 151 Indonesians accused of people-smuggling and around 300 asylum seekers or people who have overstayed visas.

Election issue
Detention of asylum seekers was a major issue in Australia’s election on 21 August. The election delivered a hung parliament, forcing Labor Prime Minister Julia Gillard and opposition conservatives to court. A decision is expected next week.

Both Labor Prime Minister Julia Gillard and conservative leader Tony Abbott promised tougher immigration laws during their campaigns.

Australia has a policy of mandatory detention for asylum-seekers while their claims are processed. Immigrants are held at the remote Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean or at centres on the mainland while their refugee applications are assessed.