Ben Lomai waits outside the Supreme Court Registry for his case to be called. Photo: Facebook / Ben Lomai
A lawyer representing refugees occupying the former detention centre on Manus Island says his clients will not be removed before their appeal is determined by the Papua New Guinea Supreme Court.
Ben Lomai said he agreed in court yesterday for a panel of judges to hear the case on 15 December.
He is appealing a decision of the chief justice not to order the restoration of food, water and power to the centre, which were cut when it closed at the end of October.
Since then, men now numbering about 400 have been refusing to move to alternative facilities on the island.
Dr Lomai said the government had indicated the men would not be moved pending the outcome of the appeal.
"Immigration has issued a circular to the police and army personnel not to remove the guys pending the hearing of the appeal. No one will be moved out of Lombrum until this appeal is heard and determined by the court," he said.