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Confessions of an Australian diplomat and people smuggler

By Bruce Haigh - posted Tuesday, 9 October 2007


It seems to me there is an evilness at play when a person like Al Jenabi becomes an enemy of the state.

So how should the issue of people smugglers be solved? Should they be seen as cutthroat moneygrubbers, cruel and careless with their human cargo? Are they responding to need and do they provide a service in a free-market environment? Where is the evidence that people smugglers are lacking in compassion? The truth is they are a mixed bunch - good, bad, compassionate and callous. Whatever their motivation and make-up this does not alter the essential nature of their service to refugees.

It is inconsistent and contradictory for the Government to take the moral high ground, accusing people smugglers of base motives, in the light of its own actions over Tampa, the children overboard incident and the prolonged detention of refugees, including children.

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According to this Government, I am a people smuggler. I provided a service outside the marketplace, although one existed. I like to believe that the people I helped escaped injury or perhaps death and were able to lead a better life. Ali Al Jenabi has done no more or less.

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First published in the Sydney Morning Herald on September 27, 2007.



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About the Author

Bruce Haigh is a political commentator and retired diplomat who served in Pakistan and Afghanistan in 1972-73 and 1986-88, and in South Africa from 1976-1979

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