China expresses ‘grave concern’ as internal documents reveal suicide warning before death in Melbourne immigration detention

Exclusive: Serious questions raised about whether Chinese citizen was properly monitored at centre run by US prison giant Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast The US private prison company running Australia’s immigration detention system was warned that a newly detained Chinese citizen expressed suicidal ideation and had a history of self-harm less than 24 hours before she died by suicide in a Melbourne detention centre, internal documents show. The death has raised serious questions about whether the detainee was properly monitored and whether she was placed in an appropriate room, given her state of mind. It has also triggered an intervention from Australia’s biggest trading partner, Guardian Australia can reveal. The Chinese embassy has confirmed it has “lodged solemn representations and expressed grave concern to the Australian side” about the circumstances of the death. “China will closely follow the case and safeguard the safety and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens,” an embassy spokesperson said. China’s public intervention creates a fresh headache for the home affai