Asylum seeker found dead in Manus suicide

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POLICE Commissioner Gari Baki , pictured, yesterday  confirmed the death of an Iranian asylum seeker on Manus Island.
Baki said the deceased, identified as Hamed Shamshiripou, 28, from Iran, was found hanging from the branch of a tree near the East Lorengau Elementery School in Lorengau town by schoolchildren at 9am yesterday.
He lived at the East Lorengau Refugee Transit Centre.
Police and PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority Services (PNGICSA) attended to the scene and retrieved the body.
Baki ruled out any foul play and said the victim was known to have previously attempted to commit suicide.
Baki said that he would be meeting with the heads of relevant PNG government departments, including the PNG chief immigration officer, to discuss the way ahead for the more than 800 asylum seekers on Manus following court orders to shut down the centre.
Baki feared that if not addressed soon, there may be serious law and order implications for Manus.