Australia refuses to comment on reported interception of Tamil asylum seekers

The fate of over 200 Sri Lankan Tamil asylum seekers reportedly intercepted at sea by the Australian Navy is unknown.

It is believed that two boats carrying the asylum seekers were stopped by the Australian authorities in the Indian Ocean and that some passengers were handed over to the Sri Lankan Navy.

Refugee campaigners described it as a violation of international law, and added that at least 11 of those on board had been tortured in Sri Lanka.

Australia has been taking a tough approach on asylum seekers who try to reach the country by perilous sea journeys, reports the BBC.

Canberra has cited "operational reasons" for neither confirming nor denying the existence of the two boats carrying Tamils from Sri Lanka.

The Refugee Council of Australia has said that the forcing asylum seekers back to their country of origin without properly investigating their claims is a flagrant breach of the Refugee Convention and international laws.