SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – The Refugee Action Coalition held a rally in support of refugees and asylum seekers outside the Villawood Immigration Detention Centre in Sydney today.

Protesters spoke out against the Gillard government’s “Malaysian solution” in which Australia will “swap” 800 refugees for 4000 asylum seekers already processed in Malaysia.

The crowd also voiced its opposition to the government’s policy of mandatory detention for refugees while their claims are assessed, a process which can take years.

Australian Minister for Immigration Chris Bowen is expected to announce details of the deal with Malaysia tomorrow.