Refugee advocates say police in Nauru have arrested a 36-year-old Iranian refugee for attempting suicide.
Refugees held in Nauru Photo: supplied
The Refugee Action Coaltion said the refugee swallowed washing powder at the Anibare camp on Monday afternoon.
The Coalition's Ian Rintoul said although the man was in obvious distress, police arrested him rather than calling an ambulance.
It follows a government edict made last week that any refugee who threatens or attempts suicide be arrested.
Mr Rintoul said it was not known if the police sought medical assistance for the refugee.
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