UPDATE: NT Government withdraws its counter claim against detainees

UPDATE!!

The Northern Territory Government has withdrawn its counter claims against two detainees tear-gassed at Don Dale detention centre. The Chief Minister’s office says it will continue to defend civil claims in court.

Earlier today the Northern Territory Government announced it would counter-sue two boys tear-gassed by prison guards at the Don Dale detention centre in Darwin.

The claim was in response to papers lodged in June by two boys — whose names have been suppressed — seeking damages for alleged mistreatment by staff at the facility. The Northern Territory Government was seeking damages for an escape attempt whereby the two boys stole a car and rammed it into a roller-door before re-entering the prison.

It says the two boys caused $89,000 worth of damage when they escaped on May 31, 2015 and a further $74,000 damage when they rammed the roller door using the stolen car on June 1, 2015.

The Government was seeking damages plus interest and legal costs in its claim.

Despite withdrawing its claim, the Chief Minister’s office says it will continue to defend civil claims, which are seeking exemplary damages from the Government over the tear-gassing and a strong of other allegations.

Do you support the Northern Territory Government’s decision?