Investigation launched into how Iranian man suing Commonwealth smuggled two razor blades into District Court and cut himself during hearing

In a shocking security breach, an Iranian man suing the Commonwealth over his treatment in the Baxter Detention Centre was able to smuggle razor blades into court.

An investigation has been launched into how an Iranian man suing the Commonwealth over his alleged treatment in the notorious Baxter detention centre was able to smuggle two razor blades into the District Court and cut himself during a hearing.

The man, who asked not to be named for cultural reasons, cut himself during a directions hearing on October 3 with one of the two razor blades he smuggled in after Judge Paul Slattery set a 2026 trial date for his matter – 15 years after he first launched proceedings.

He is one of dozens of former detainees suing the Commonwealth over their alleged treatment while detained in the Baxter detention centre in the early 2000s.

The man, who first launched legal action in 2011, was stopped from further harming himself because a sheriff’s officer took the razor blade from his hand.

The courtroom was locked, with some lawyers ushered out through the courtroom’s back door.

Police and ambulance were called to the scene but he was restrained and taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital before emergency services arrived.

An investigation has been launched into how an Iranian man suing the Commonwealth over his alleged treatment in the notorious Baxter detention centre smuggled two razor blades into the District Court and cut himself during a hearing. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Naomi Jellicoe

A Courts Administration Authority spokeswoman said “standard procedures were followed” in relation to the incident and that it was “being investigated”.

The Courts Administration Authority would not comment on security measures in place.

The man’s lawyer Tony Kerin said the incident was indicative of his client’s “disappointment”.

“Such an event is not to be unexpected given the mental frailty and health issues that these applicants allege they suffer,” Mr Kerin said.

“Clearly his actions were a product of his disappointment and frustration at his matter not being heard for another couple of years.

“It’s to be hoped that there can be some speeding up of the finalisation and hearing of these matters rather than more delays.”

The man fled Iran in May 2000 and arrived at Ashmore Reef off the West Australian coast in June 2000.

The Iranian man is one of dozens of former detainees suing the Commonwealth over their alleged treatment in the Baxter detention centre. Picture: AAP/Tom Miletic

Between 2000 and 2005, he was detained at Curtin detention centre in the Kimberley, in Perth and at Baxter detention centre before being granted a temporary protection visa in July 2005.

Mr Kerin is representing about 15 former detainees in their legal action against the Commonwealth over their alleged treatment inside the Baxter Immigration Reception and Processing Centre near Port Augusta.

The centre was open from 2002 to 2007 and replaced the Woomera detention centre.

The federal government closed the controversial centre after a string of high-profile incidents including fires and riots.

Mr Kerin warned some of his clients may be forced to wait another decade to have their matters tried, with some not expected to reach trial until 2035 – more than 20 years after some of his clients launched legal action.

“As things are currently proceeding, these cases could still be before the courts in the middle of the next decade,” Mr Kerin said.

“It’s ridiculous.”