The Messenger

Aziz in the snow, in Switzerland — Photo: Michael Green 'Hard to imagine. Start your life again. Have your own house, your own family.' – Abdul Aziz Muhamat Incredibly, Aziz is in Switzerland. And he's just won a major international award for human rights defenders.  He's swamped with attention and adoration, briefings and business cards. But he is only allowed to be in Geneva for three short weeks. Then he has to return to Manus Island – back to the dangerous situation he's being celebrated for campaigning against. In this episode, we follow Aziz as he negotiates meetings with diplomats and speeches to the UN. He struggles with an unexpected, oppressive dilemma – should he board a plane back to his brothers on Manus, or seek yet another uncertain path to safety and freedom? Transcript A transcript of this episode is available here (PDF format). Further reading 'Aziz: A Stranger in Geneva', produced by Michael Green for Earshot, ABC Radio National (first broadcast 28 September 2019) 'Flight from Manus' by Michael Green, ABC Radio National, 1 October 2019 In this episode Abdul Aziz Muhamat Michael Green Peggy Hicks Michael Khambatta Our theme music was composed by Raya Slavin. Music used in this episode was produced by Hour House (Mark Leacy and Sam Kenna), except for 'I am the Changer', by Cotton Jones. More information The Messenger is a co-production of Behind the Wire and the Wheeler Centre. This episode was originally commissioned and produced for the ABC Radio National programme, Earshot. It was produced by Michael Green. The supervising producer was Lyn Gallacher. The sound engineer was Melissa May. Narration by Michael Green. Additional editing and mixing by Jon Tjhia. Thank you André Dao, Jon Tjhia, Hannah Reich, Bec Fary and Sophie Black. Also Camilla Chapman, Cecilia Cannon and Sean Cole, and Behind the Wire's many participants and volunteers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  Aziz, in a hotel room facing onto Genève-Cornavin railway station — Photo: Michael Green 'I just feel like I left my soul back there, you know. Personally I'm here, but my heart is still in Manus.' – Abdul Aziz Muhamat Aziz is shortlisted for a major international prize, the Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders. The ceremony is in Geneva, Switzerland. Improbably, the prize's organisers secretly arrange permission for him to leave Manus Island to attend the event.  In this episode, Aziz finally – temporarily – escapes Papua New Guinea, five and a half years after the Australian government took him there against his will. But he has no proper passport or visa, and no idea what to expect.   After years of exile and captivity, how will it feel to visit Switzerland – one of the richest countries in the world? And can Aziz make any difference for those who remain stuck on Manus Island and Nauru? Transcript A transcript of this episode is available here (PDF format). Further reading 'Aziz: Flight from Manus' by Michael Green, Earshot, ABC Radio National, first broadcast 21 September 2019 The Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders In this episode Abdul Aziz Muhamat Michael Green Michael Khambatta Hans Thoolen Our theme music was composed by Raya Slavin. Music used in this episode is by Hour House (Mark Leacy and Sam Kenna). More information The Messenger is a co-production of Behind the Wire and the Wheeler Centre. This episode was originally commissioned and produced for the ABC Radio National programme, Earshot. It was produced by Michael Green. The supervising producer was Lyn Gallacher. The sound engineer was Melissa May. Narration by Michael Green. Additional editing and mixing by Jon Tjhia. Thank you André Dao, Jon Tjhia, Hannah Reich, Bec Fary and Sophie Black. Thanks also to Camilla Chapman, Cecilia Cannon and Sean Cole, and to Behind the Wire's many participants and volunteers. Michael Green's travel to Papua New Guinea was supported by a grant from the Neilma Sidney Literary Travel Fund.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  The men demonstrate their improvised well — Photo: Michael Green ‘Twenty four days we lived as a nation … The only way I can describe [it] is that we were a nation.' – Abdul Aziz Muhamat The detention centre on Manus Island might be closed, but Aziz – and the vast majority of the men who were held there – remain on the island, living in three different centres. By early 2019, Aziz is well into his sixth year, waiting. In that time, he's felt free for only a few weeks – those few weeks when the immigration detention system disintegrated around him. In this episode, The Messenger returns to late 2017, and the crucial period when Australia shut down the Manus Regional Processing Centre and the men refused to leave. We take you inside the centre as the standoff unfolds. There are no guards, no caseworkers, no immigration officials – and no food, water, medicine or electricity. Aziz and his friends are in charge. How did they survive? And why did they stay? Transcript A transcript of this episode is coming soon. Further reading • 'No Exit: The ongoing abuses of Australia's refugee policy' by Michael Green, Harper's Magazine, July 2018 In this episode Abdul Aziz Muhamat Michael Green Behrouz Boochani Benham Satah Poli Boas Clarence Parisau Michael Kuweh Our theme music was composed by Raya Slavin. Music used in this episode includes 'Unrest' by Adrian Klumpes, 'La Mer' by Pivot, 'Southeast of Boston' by June of 44, 'Out with the Cold' by Kaffe Matthews, 'Rhodes Viola Multiple' by Keith Fullerton Whitman, '1.3'by Piano Magic, 'Passages' by Bowery Electric, 'Shine' by Klara Lewis and 'Iberia Eteria' by Biosphere. More information The Messenger is a co-production of Behind the Wire and the Wheeler Centre. It's produced by Michael Green, André Dao, Hannah Reich and Bec Fary, with Jon Tjhia and Sophie Black at the Wheeler Centre. Narration by Michael Green. With reporting by Abdul Aziz Muhamat. Transcription by Claire McGregor, Carolyn Turner, Tiarne Cook, Julia Earley and many more​. This episode was edited and mixed by Michael Green and Jon Tjhia. Thank you Dana Affleck, Angelica Neville, Camilla Chapman and Sienna Merope. Also to Behind the Wire's many participants and volunteers. Michael Green's travel to Papua New Guinea was supported by a grant from the Neilma Sidney Literary Travel Fund.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's raining on Michael's last afternoon on Manus Island, and Aziz drops by to catch up. They discuss where things are at with Aziz and the other men, and what he expects will happen next. Then, it's time to say farewell. This episode will be the last of our short updates – but we'll return soon with another full episode, unpacking what Michael found when he visited Manus Island. 'If I can predict, the only thing that's gonna happen is we will be just forgotten in this island.' Abdul Aziz Muhamat Abdul Aziz Muhamat in Lorengau, Manus Island — Photo: Michael Green In this update Abdul Aziz Muhamat Michael Green Our theme music was composed by Raya Slavin. Music used in this episode includes 'Please Gamelan Again' by Colleen, and 'Everybody Wants to Rule the World' by Tomoki Kanda. Further reading 'Second cohort of Nauru and Manus refugees to be resettled in US', by Ben Doherty, Guardian Australia, accessed 16 December 2017 'A Letter from Manus Island', by Behrouz Boochani, Saturday Paper, accessed 10 December 2017 More information The Messenger is a co-production of Behind the Wire and the Wheeler Centre. It's produced by Michael Green, André Dao, Hannah Reich and Bec Fary, with Jon Tjhia and Sophie Black at the Wheeler Centre. This short update was edited and mixed by Jon Tjhia. Thank you Dana Affleck, Angelica Neville and Sienna Merope. Also to Behind the Wire's many participants and volunteers. Behind the Wire is supported by the Bertha Foundation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

‘I'm safe and I'm alive.' Abdul Aziz Muhamat An eventful week has passed. After PNG immigration officials and police entered the decommissioned detention centre, destroying food, water and belongings, the 421 men remaining there are forced to relocate to the other facilities on Manus Island. After a brief spell of homelessness, Aziz has found a bed in the East Lorengau transit centre. In a chance meeting with Michael, he explains how he's adjusting to the new situation – and trying to regain his energy to continue working. A mess remains after PNG immigration officials raid and ransack the camp — Photo: Manus Alert In this update Abdul Aziz Muhamat Michael Green Our theme music was composed by Raya Slavin. Music used in this episode includes 'Shine' by Klara Lewis. Additional audio recordings have been sourced from smartphone videos of the eviction and relocation. Further reading 'Manus Island: PNG authorities say they have cleared detention centre, all men bused out', by Liam Fox and Louise Yaxley, ABC News, accessed 28 November 2017 'Manus police pulled my hair and beat me. "You've damaged our reputation," they said', by Behrouz Boochani, Guardian Australia, accessed 28 November 2017 'Forced Removal', Ten Eyewitness News, accessed 28 November 2017 More information The Messenger is a co-production of Behind the Wire and the Wheeler Centre. It's produced by Michael Green, André Dao, Hannah Reich and Bec Fary, with Jon Tjhia and Sophie Black at the Wheeler Centre. This short update was edited and mixed by Jon Tjhia. Thank you Dana Affleck, Angelica Neville and Sienna Merope. Also to Behind the Wire's many participants and volunteers. Behind the Wire is supported by the Bertha Foundation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rain comes. In his voice messages, Aziz sounds unwell – but speaks at length about how, in spite of their living conditions, the men finally feel they have some control over their lives. He tells Michael about how they're cooperating with each other, too – splitting duties like security and the daily cleaning of the compound. 'We don't always want to get the attention of the people about the hardship,' he explains. 'We are just paying the price for our freedom.' 'We are managing our lives. You know, it's been 21 days now, three weeks … it's become normal for us.' Abdul Aziz Muhamat Photo: Manus Alert In this update Abdul Aziz Muhamat Michael Green Our theme music was composed by Raya Slavin. Further reading 'The situation is critical': cholera fears on Manus as water and medicine run out', by Ben Doherty, Guardian Australia, accessed 21 November 2017 'Refugees Trapped Far from Home, Farther from Deliverance', by Damien Cave, New York Times, accessed 21 November 2017 More information The Messenger is a co-production of Behind the Wire and the Wheeler Centre. It's produced by Michael Green, André Dao, Hannah Reich and Bec Fary, with Jon Tjhia and Sophie Black at the Wheeler Centre. This short update was edited and mixed by Jon Tjhia. Thank you Dana Affleck, Angelica Neville and Sienna Merope. Also to Behind the Wire's many participants and volunteers. Behind the Wire is supported by the Bertha Foundation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seventeen days into the stand-off with authorities, Aziz tells Michael about how men in the detention centre are dealing with the lack of water after tanks and wells were destroyed – as well as the men's medical needs, many arising from the ad hoc water supply. And with New Zealand's resettlement offer in the headlines, he reflects on why Australia has so far refused it. 'The tank is still empty, because it's been like, a few days we haven't had any rain.' Abdul Aziz Muhamat Photo: Manus Alert In this update Abdul Aziz Muhamat Michael Green Our theme music was composed by Raya Slavin. Further reading 'NZ refugee offer stands, despite new allegations', by Mei Heron, Radio NZ, accessed 17 November 2017 'Decay, despair, defiance: inside the Manus Island refugee camp', by Ben Doherty, Guardian Australia, accessed 17 November 2017 'What Is Happening on Manus Island? The Detainee Crisis Explained', by Russell Goldman and Damien Cave, New York Times, accessed 17 November 2017 More information The Messenger is a co-production of Behind the Wire and the Wheeler Centre. It's produced by Michael Green, André Dao, Hannah Reich and Bec Fary, with Jon Tjhia and Sophie Black at the Wheeler Centre. This short update was edited and mixed by Jon Tjhia. Thank you Dana Affleck, Angelica Neville and Sienna Merope. Also to Behind the Wire's many participants and volunteers. Behind the Wire is supported by the Bertha Foundation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aziz reports that Papua New Guinean immigration officials have been entering the detention centre to destroy tanks and wells. Meanwhile, the men remaining in the camp have tried to avoid provocation and confrontation. Daily protests have moved to a cooler time of day to account for their lack of water and shade. Aziz says things are quiet in the camp, and spirits are generally positive. Michael arrives on Manus Island. 'Food and water, electricity … this is not our main concern. Our main concern is we just want to get out of this island, and to a safe country.' Abdul Aziz Muhamat A water tank damaged by immigration officials leaks water onto the ground. The centre has now been without a mains water supply for two weeks — Photo: Manus Alert In this update Abdul Aziz Muhamat Michael Green Our theme music was composed by Raya Slavin. Additional audio sourced from video footage recorded inside the centre. More information The Messenger is a co-production of Behind the Wire and the Wheeler Centre. It's produced by Michael Green, André Dao, Hannah Reich and Bec Fary, with Jon Tjhia and Sophie Black at the Wheeler Centre. This short update was edited and mixed by Jon Tjhia. Thank you Dana Affleck, Angelica Neville and Sienna Merope. Also to Behind the Wire's many participants and volunteers. Behind the Wire is supported by the Bertha Foundation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hundreds of men remain in the decommissioned detention centre – refusing to be relocated to camps which many (including the UN's refugee agency) have said are unfinished or unsafe. Papua New Guinean immigration officers have removed fences, shade and clotheslines from the camp. Rubbish bins storing rain and well water have been tipped out, and makeshift wells destroyed. In this update, comprised of Aziz's weary and infrequent messages, he describes the increasingly strained situation. 'They were trying to push people – and swearing, abusing.' Abdul Aziz Muhamat The men sit in protest beside the denuded fence posts of the (now former) Manus Island Regional Processing Centre — Photo: Manus Alert In this update Abdul Aziz Muhamat Michael Green Our theme music was composed by Raya Slavin. Further reading 'Horrific footage from within Manus Island Detention Centre shows squalid conditions', by Jennifer Sexton, Daily Telegraph, accessed 10 November 2017 'Smuggled footage shows horrific conditions in Manus detention centre – video', Guardian Australia, accessed 10 November 2017 'Photos cast doubt on new Manus housing', Australian, by Rory Callinan, Australian, accessed 8 November 2017 More information The Messenger is a co-production of Behind the Wire and the Wheeler Centre. It's produced by Michael Green, André Dao, Hannah Reich and Bec Fary, with Jon Tjhia and Sophie Black at the Wheeler Centre. This short update was edited and mixed by Jon Tjhia. Thank you Dana Affleck, Angelica Neville and Sienna Merope. Also to Behind the Wire's many participants and volunteers. Behind the Wire is supported by the Bertha Foundation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After Papua New Guinea's Supreme Court rejects an appeal to restore power, water and food to the decommissioned detention centre, Aziz says the men never held much hope for a positive outcome in the first place. When Michael expresses concern about the ever-escalating situation, Aziz vents his mistrust of the courts and politicians, and defends the men's decision to stay. 'I truly believe that each and every of these men … made his own choice to stay.' Abdul Aziz Muhamat Aziz, protesting — Photo: Supplied In this update Abdul Aziz Muhamat Michael Green Our theme music was composed by Raya Slavin. More information The Messenger is a co-production of Behind the Wire and the Wheeler Centre. It's produced by Michael Green, André Dao, Hannah Reich and Bec Fary, with Jon Tjhia and Sophie Black at the Wheeler Centre. This short update was edited and mixed by Jon Tjhia. Thank you Dana Affleck, Angelica Neville and Sienna Merope. Also to Behind the Wire's many participants and volunteers. Behind the Wire is supported by the Bertha Foundation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the detainees' isolation intensifies, Aziz tells Michael about the burden of his responsibilities – and his hope of some negotiation to end the stand-off. Like many of the other men, Aziz has tried to shield his family from knowing about his predicament. But with reports about the centre emerging in international media, he is compelled to lie his brother, who's recognised him in a photo. 'We are just waiting to hear from them.' Abdul Aziz Muhamat Barricaded inside the detention centre, men collect firewood — Photo: Manus Alert In this update Abdul Aziz Muhamat Michael Green Our theme music was composed by Raya Slavin. More information The Messenger is a co-production of Behind the Wire and the Wheeler Centre. It's produced by Michael Green, André Dao, Hannah Reich and Bec Fary, with Jon Tjhia and Sophie Black at the Wheeler Centre. This short update was edited and mixed by Jon Tjhia. Thank you Dana Affleck, Angelica Neville and Sienna Merope. Also to Behind the Wire's many participants and volunteers. Behind the Wire is supported by the Bertha Foundation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three days after the official closure of the detention centre, several hundred detainees remain barricaded inside the gates without water, power or food supplied. Aziz describes the scene, and explains some of the ways the men are getting by. 'It's really hard to get water from outside, so we dug a well.' Abdul Aziz Muhamat Without water and power, detainees at Manus Island Regional Processing Centre shower in the rain — Photo: Manus Alert In this update Abdul Aziz Muhamat Michael Green Our theme music was composed by Raya Slavin. More information The Messenger is a co-production of Behind the Wire and the Wheeler Centre. It's produced by Michael Green, André Dao, Hannah Reich and Bec Fary, with Jon Tjhia and Sophie Black at the Wheeler Centre. This short update was edited and mixed by Jon Tjhia. Thank you Dana Affleck, Angelica Neville and Sienna Merope. Also to Behind the Wire's many participants and volunteers. Behind the Wire is supported by the Bertha Foundation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mere hours from Australia's deadline to close Manus Island's immigration detention centre, tensions are running high amongst detainees. Why does Aziz seem calm? 'I feel like in 24 hours I will know something exactly, either positive or negative.' Abdul Aziz Muhamat Detainees shelter from rain at Manus Island Regional Processing Centre — Photo: Manus Alert In this update Abdul Aziz Muhamat Michael Green Our theme music was composed by Raya Slavin. More information The Messenger is a co-production of Behind the Wire and the Wheeler Centre. It's produced by Michael Green, André Dao, Hannah Reich and Bec Fary, with Jon Tjhia and Sophie Black at the Wheeler Centre. This short update was edited and mixed by Jon Tjhia. Thank you Dana Affleck, Angelica Neville and Sienna Merope. Also to Behind the Wire's many participants and volunteers. Behind the Wire is supported by the Bertha Foundation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The security guards and other staff are leaving the detention centre. Aziz explains how the detainees are preparing for life without power. Damaged by rough weather, a tree has fallen across the perimeter fencing of Manus Island Regional Processing Centre — Photo: Manus Alert In this update Abdul Aziz Muhamat Michael Green Our theme music was composed by Raya Slavin. More information The Messenger is a co-production of Behind the Wire and the Wheeler Centre. It's produced by Michael Green, André Dao, Hannah Reich and Bec Fary, with Jon Tjhia and Sophie Black at the Wheeler Centre. This short update was edited and mixed by Jon Tjhia. Thank you Dana Affleck, Angelica Neville and Sienna Merope. Also to Behind the Wire's many participants and volunteers. Behind the Wire is supported by the Bertha Foundation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Abdul Aziz Muhamat — Photo: Michael Green As the days count down to the end of October – when Australia has promised to close the detention centre on Manus Island – Aziz's short voice messages outline the situation as he understands it, and how he intends to respond. Daily protests continue on Manus Island — Photo: supplied In this update Abdul Aziz Muhamat Michael Green Our theme music was composed by Raya Slavin. More information The Messenger is a co-production of Behind the Wire and the Wheeler Centre. It's produced by Michael Green, André Dao, Hannah Reich and Bec Fary, with Jon Tjhia and Sophie Black at the Wheeler Centre. This short update was edited and mixed by Jon Tjhia. Thank you Dana Affleck, Angelica Neville and Sienna Merope. Also to Behind the Wire's many participants and volunteers. Behind the Wire is supported by the Bertha Foundation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With just ten days left before Australia closes the detention centre on Manus Island, Aziz leaves a few short voice messages, explaining how he is feeling. Abdul Aziz Muhamat — Photo: Michael Green In this update Abdul Aziz Muhamat Michael Green Our theme music was composed by Raya Slavin. More information The Messenger is a co-production of Behind the Wire and the Wheeler Centre. It's produced by Michael Green, André Dao, Hannah Reich and Bec Fary, with Jon Tjhia and Sophie Black at the Wheeler Centre. This short update was edited and mixed by Jon Tjhia. Thank you Dana Affleck, Angelica Neville and Sienna Merope. Also to Behind the Wire's many participants and volunteers. Behind the Wire is supported by the Bertha Foundation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aziz — Photo: Michael Green 'This place has become part of me. It runs in my blood.' Abdul Aziz Muhamat After seven long months in Port Moresby recovering from knee surgery, Aziz finally returns to Manus Island. He's overjoyed to be home in the detention centre – seeing his friends and sleeping in his old bed. But just as he returns, the Australian government begins shutting some of the centre's compounds – trying to force refugees to go home, or accept resettlement in Papua New Guinea. Aziz and the other detainees refuse to leave. When the compounds begin to close, hundreds of the men have been assessed for resettlement in America – yet hundreds more, like Aziz, haven't even started the process. This episode brings The Messenger into realtime. The closure of the Manus Island detention centre is expected to be complete by the end of October 2017. What will happen to the men who live there? Transcript A transcript of this episode is coming soon. Further reading • 'Commonwealth agrees to pay Manus Island detainees $70m in class action settlement' by Emma Younger and Loretta Florance, ABC News, accessed 28 September 2017 In this episode Abdul Aziz Muhamat Behrouz Boochani Michael Green Our theme music was composed by Raya Slavin. Music used in this episode includes ‘Apt. A (!)' by cLOUDDEAD, ‘Parallelogram' by Electric Birds, ‘First Snow, Last Year' by Andrew Pekler, ‘Map of What is Effortless' by Telefon Tel Aviv, ‘Mdrmx' by Brothomstates, ‘Mascoma' by Trapist, ‘13' by SND, ‘Reeling Then Again' by Lori Scacco, ‘Not Growing Out Of Growing Into' by Rothko, ‘Shine' by Klara Lewis and ‘Up the Box' by Andy Stott. More information The Messenger is a co-production of Behind the Wire and the Wheeler Centre. It's produced by Michael Green, André Dao, Hannah Reich and Bec Fary, with Jon Tjhia and Sophie Black at the Wheeler Centre. Narration by Michael Green. With reporting by Abdul Aziz Muhamat. Additional fact checking by the Guardian's Ben Doherty; transcription by Claire McGregor, Carolyn Turner, Eugenia Zoubtchenko and many more​. This episode was edited and mixed by Bec Fary and Jon Tjhia. Thank you Dana Affleck, Angelica Neville and Sienna Merope. Also to Behind the Wire's many participants and volunteers. Behind the Wire is supported by the Bertha Foundation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Abdul Aziz Muhamat and Michael Green on Manus Island — (Photo: Behrouz Boochani) 'Freedom is not free. You have to pay for it. And we pay; now we are paying for our freedoms.' Abdul Aziz Muhamat Just before Christmas of 2016, Aziz is transferred to Port Moresby for knee surgery. With better phone reception, Michael and Aziz share a long phone call in which they reflect on the year that's ending, the holiday season and the months since they met face to face on Manus Island. The change in Aziz's circumstances is only temporary, but it's still a change – and the call feels like a rare break in the clouds. But just two days later – on Christmas Day – Michael hears news that Aziz's friend and fellow Sudanese detainee, Faysal Ishak Ahmed, has died. Transcript Download a transcript of this episode here (Adobe PDF format). In this episode Abdul Aziz Muhamat Michael Green Our theme music was composed by Raya Slavin. Music used in this episode includes ‘Passage' by Oren Ambarchi, ‘We Let the “S” Hang in the Air' by Brokeback, ‘Pulcinella' by Kazumasa Hashimoto, ‘How Now (1968) for Piano' by Philip Glass, ‘Meditation' by Lori Scacco, ‘Waltz for Aidan' by Mogwai, ‘Mandarinerna' by Kim Hiorthøy, ‘Future Light' by Nick Huggins, ‘Non Song' by To Rococo Rot, ‘Momento' by Murcof, ‘Initial Gesture Protraction' by Tortoise, ‘Trace' by Rhythm&Sound, ‘Under the Roof' by Colleen and ‘I Found the End' by Broadcast. More information The Messenger is a co-production of Behind the Wire and the Wheeler Centre. It's produced by Michael Green, André Dao, Hannah Reich and Bec Fary, with Jon Tjhia and Sophie Black at the Wheeler Centre. Narration by Michael Green. With reporting by Abdul Aziz Muhamat. Additional fact checking by the Guardian's Ben Doherty; transcription by Claire McGregor, Carolyn Turner, Eugenia Zoubtchenko and many more​. This episode was edited and mixed by Bec Fary and Jon Tjhia. Thank you Dana Affleck, Angelica Neville and Sienna Merope. Also to Behind the Wire's many participants and volunteers. Behind the Wire is supported by the Bertha Foundation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behrouz and Aziz at Hauwei Island — (Photo: Michael Green) 'I'm excited because … for almost three years I haven't left the centre, and I was just locked inside there … Now, I'm walking on the streets – every two steps I take, I turn and I look behind me, like, "Where is the security guard?"' Abdul Aziz Muhamat It's July 2016. On the morning Michael flies to Manus Island, Aziz leaves the detention centre for the first time in nearly three years. In this episode, Aziz and Michael finally meet in person. Michael also meets some people from Manus Island, who explain how they feel about having the detention centre on their island. Together with Behrouz Boochani, a Kurdish journalist and detainee, Aziz and Michael take a boat to a nearby island to swim, eat together, and escape the shadow of the detention centre. For Aziz, it's an exhilarating time, full of new experiences and unexpected joys – but he knows it will soon come to an end. Featured videos The Messenger, Episode 8: Michael and Aziz discuss their meeting on Manus Island Watch In this short video, Michael and Aziz talk about their meeting in Lorengau – and what comes next for each of them The Messenger, Episode 8: Michael and Aziz on the boat to Hauwei Island.mp4 Watch Michael and Aziz on a boat trip to Hauwei Island, Manus Province, Papua New Guinea Behrouz Boochani's song from Manus prison Watch Behrouz Boochani's song from Manus prison Transcript A transcript of this episode is coming soon. Further reading ‘Welcome to Manus, the island that has been changed forever by Australian asylum-seeker policy' by Jo Chandler, Guardian, 16 December 2014 ‘They Call Me Immigration' by Omar Mohammed Jack, Inside Story, 5 April 2017 (excerpted from They Cannot Take the Sky: Stories from Detention, published by Allen and Unwin) In this episode Abdul Aziz Muhamat Behrouz Boochani Michael Green Benjamin Pokarup Rose Chris Allen Muan Our theme music was composed by Raya Slavin. Music used in this episode includes ‘Capture the Flag' by Broken Social Scene, ‘Sensuous' by Cornelius, ‘The North Downs Dimension' by Broadcast, ‘Sop' by Monica Brooks, ‘Change' and ‘Humming Song 2' by Aoki Takamasa, Ogurusu Norihide and Takagi Masakatsu, ‘Super Botany' by Stereolab and Marumari, ‘Dust Rising' by Nick Huggins, ‘Kilvo' by Radian, ‘Han Brydde Sig Inte Om Att Stiga Upp, Hela Dagen Lät Han Nya Bilder Och Funderingar Komma Och Gå Som De Ville, Sov Lite Ibland Och Vaknade Igen Och Visste Inte Alls Vem Han Var. Det Var En Fridfull Och Mycket Spännande Dag' by Kim Hiorthøy, ‘Reminds Me of the Sun' by OBX and Sophia, ‘On' by Aphex Twin, ‘Exhale' by Adrian Klumpes and ‘The Last Farewell' by Roger Whittaker. More information The Messenger is a co-production of Behind the Wire and the Wheeler Centre. It's produced by Michael Green, André Dao, Hannah Reich and Bec Fary, with Jon Tjhia and Sophie Black at the Wheeler Centre.Narration by Michael Green. With reporting by Abdul Aziz Muhamat. Additional fact checking by the Guardian's Ben Doherty; transcription by Claire McGregor, Carolyn Turner, Tiarne Cook and many more​. This episode was edited and mixed by Bec Fary and Jon Tjhia. Thank you Skye Hollingsworth for video editing, and Dana Affleck, Angelica Neville and Sienna Merope. Also to Behind the Wire's many participants and volunteers. Behind the Wire is supported by the Bertha Foundation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

‘I have got energy, so … why can't I just keep in touch with the outside world?' Aziz Photo: Michael Green Even though Aziz is in detention, far away from both his home and from the country whose government is holding him, he's on his phone all day. He's sending messages to Michael, or he's on Facebook with friends and activists, or he's following the latest news in Australia. He's hyperconnected. But his connection to the outside world is complicated and, despite their constant communication, Michael and Aziz never really get to have a regular, real-time conversation. In this episode, Aziz observes his third Ramadan inside detention. Fasting during the day, he sends Michael messages late into the night. And, along with many of the men on Manus, the Australian federal election campaign raises Aziz's hopes. On election night, Aziz and his fellow detainees follow the news forensically to try to make sense of the result and what, if anything, it means for the future of the detention centre. Meanwhile, Michael investigates the possibility of travelling to Manus Island. Could they really meet face to face? Transcript A transcript of this episode is available here (Adobe PDF format). In this episode Abdul Aziz Muhamat Michael Green Our theme music was composed by Raya Slavin. Music used in this episode includes ‘Nook & Cranny' and ‘Grandiflora' by Biosphere, ‘Pilot' by Markus Guentner, ‘Ba Ba' by Sigur Rós, ‘Our' by Actress, ‘Render 4' by Cologne Tape, ‘I Found the End' by Broadcast, ‘Them, Their' by Jan Jelinek, ‘Passage' by Oren Ambarchi and ‘Caroline' by the Babies, with sundry additional music by Jon Tjhia. More information The Messenger is a co-production of Behind the Wire and the Wheeler Centre. It's produced by Michael Green, André Dao, Hannah Reich and Bec Fary, with Jon Tjhia and Sophie Black at the Wheeler Centre.Narration by Michael Green. With reporting by Abdul Aziz Muhamat. Additional fact checking by the Guardian's Ben Doherty; transcription by Claire McGregor, Tiarne Cook, Lina Lettau and many more​. This episode was edited and mixed by Bec Fary and Jon Tjhia. Thank you Dana Affleck, Angelica Neville and Sienna Merope. Also to Behind the Wire's many participants and volunteers. Behind the Wire is supported by the Bertha Foundation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

‘I'm just pretending … as if I'm preparing for a space journey, and the space journey, it takes many years.' Aziz After months of interviews, Aziz finally sits facing an immigration officer and an interpreter, about to find out whether he's been granted refugee status. But he's too angry to talk about that. What he'd rather know is why he's just spent weeks locked in a jail cell in Lorengau, before being abruptly released without charge. In this episode, Aziz tells Michael about the hunger strike that lead to his imprisonment, and why he continues to pursue big and small acts of resistance – despite the consequences. Transcript Download a transcript of this episode in Adobe PDF format. In this episode Abdul Aziz Muhamat Michael Green Our theme music was composed by Raya Slavin. Music used in this episode includes ‘02-15-02' by Taylor Deupree and Kenneth Kirschner, ‘Ambient Head' by Atom Heart and Tetsu Inoue, ‘Variation for Oud and Synthesizer 2' and ‘Rhodes Viola Multiple' by Keith Fullerton Whitman, ‘Helix' by Radian, ‘There Are Other Worlds (They Have Not Told You Of)' by Jan Jelinek Avec The Exposures, ‘Plastic Energy Man' by Papa M, ‘People are Friends' by Biosphere, ‘Biokinetics 2' by Porter Ricks, ‘Pilot' by Markus Guentner, ‘Twenty' by Labradford, ‘Miracle to Fill My Life' by Abe Duque, ‘Changeling' by DJ Shadow, ‘Summa Afrique (Oren Ambarchi remix)' by Tape, and ‘We Let the “S” Hang in the Air' by Brokeback. More information The Messenger is a co-production of Behind the Wire and the Wheeler Centre. It's produced by Michael Green, André Dao, Hannah Reich and Bec Fary, with Jon Tjhia and Sophie Black at the Wheeler Centre.Narration by Michael Green. With reporting by Abdul Aziz Muhamat. Additional fact checking by the Guardian's Ben Doherty; transcription by Claire McGregor, Tiarne Cook, Eugenia Zoubtchenko and many more​. This episode was edited and mixed by Bec Fary and Jon Tjhia. Thank you Dana Affleck, Angelica Neville and Sienna Merope. Also to Hani Abdile, and to Behind the Wire's many participants and volunteers. Behind the Wire is supported by the Bertha Foundation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stopping the boats. It's one of the most fraught topics in Australian politics, and most of the time it comes out in two soundbites: saving lives at sea, and securing our borders. Abdul Aziz Muhamat 'I was instructed to … select the children on the basis of how young they looked – because we wanted to send the message to people smuggling networks that even the youngest children were eligible for transfer to the island.' Greg Lake, former Director of Offshore Processing in the Department of Immigration In this episode, Aziz tells Michael what it actually feels like to make that journey, and why he made the decision to get on a boat bound for Australia. What was going through his mind? Did he know what he was getting himself into before he stepped onboard? Michael also speaks to somebody with a unique perspective to offer, because it was his job to stop the boats. Former immigration department official Greg Lake tells Michael about the extraordinary lengths he was asked to go to to carry out official government policy – and why he ultimately walked away from the task. Transcript Download a transcript of this episode in Adobe PDF format. In this episode Abdul Aziz Muhamat Michael Green Greg Lake, former Director of Offshore Processing, Department of Immigration Our theme music was composed by Raya Slavin. Music used in this episode includes: ‘Kilvo' and ‘Ontario' by Radian, ‘Rhodes Viola Multiple' by Keith Fullerton Whitman, ‘Four-Day Interval' by Tortoise, ‘Outward' by Rhythm & Sound, ‘Plastic Energy Man' by Papa M, ‘Whitetail' by Low, ‘Mdrmx' by Brothomstates, ‘Malá Strana' by Gui Boratto, ‘Collapse of Materialists' by Forma, ‘Blau' by Ganger, ‘Guitars for Plants' by Mice Parade, ‘There Are Other Words (They Have Not Told You Of)' by Jan Jelinek and ‘On' by Aphex Twin. More information The Messenger is a co-production of Behind the Wire and the Wheeler Centre. It's produced by Michael Green, André Dao, Hannah Reich and Bec Fary, with Jon Tjhia and Sophie Black at the Wheeler Centre.Narration by Michael Green. With reporting by Abdul Aziz Muhamat. Additional fact checking by the Guardian's Ben Doherty; transcription by Claire McGregor, Victoria Grey, Eugenia Zoubtchenko, Laura Mitchell and many more​. This episode was edited and mixed by Bec Fary and Jon Tjhia. Thank you Dana Affleck, Angelica Neville and Sienna Merope. Also to Cameron Ford, and to Behind the Wire's many participants and volunteers. Behind the Wire is supported by the Bertha Foundation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A major ruling by the Papua New Guinea Supreme Court offers hope for Aziz – but, amidst the promise, the men receive devastating news from Nauru. Meanwhile, they're encouraged to accept the option to resettle in PNG. So why doesn't Aziz take it? Aziz, with his smuggled phone 'We don't know what next, but this is really one of the first good news that we ever heard.' Aziz When Aziz learns of Papua New Guinea's Supreme Court ruling that detention on Manus Island is illegal, he sends Michael messages describing his joy and excitement. But his elation soon turns to confusion as he and the other men understand they're anything but free. Meanwhile, news of two separate self-immolations in Nauru's centre reaches Manus – and hits Aziz hard. Aziz and the men are always being reminded of two options to end their detention: go home or resettle in PNG. We've already heard why he can't go home. Aziz describes the sometimes hostile relations with local Manusians – including the violent confrontation resulting in the widely-reported murder of his fellow detainee, Reza Berati – as well as some of the things detainees had been told about PNG in order to dissuade them from escaping. Aziz explains why he firmly believes that starting a new life there is neither safe nor possible … and reveals the other fundamentally important reason why he won't accept the offer to live in Papua New Guinea. Warning: This episode of The Messenger includes graphic content and mentions self-harm. If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact one of Australia's national 24/7 crisis services such as Lifeline on 13 11 14 or at lifeline.org.au, or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. Transcript Download a transcript of this episode in PDF format. In this episode Abdul Aziz Muhamat Michael Green Ben Lomai, lawyer Our theme music was composed by Raya Slavin. Music used in this episode includes: ‘There's Hell in Hello But More in Goodbye' by Jim O'Rourke, ‘Floating in the Clearest Night' and ‘The Heart Harmonicon' by Colleen, ‘Blue Milk' by Stereolab, ‘Sensuous' by Cornelius, ‘Cells That Smell Sounds' by Midori Haino, ‘Mala' Strana' by Gui Boratto, ‘The Flat Curving' by Brokeback, ‘Iberia Eterea' by Biosphere, ‘Niobe' by Caribou, ‘Intimate Geometry' by Anthea Caddy and Thembi Soddell, ‘Stars Aligned Webs Spun' by Oren Ambarchi, ‘Gong Meditation' by Cylob and ‘Forskjellige Gode Ting' by Kim Hiorthøy. More information The Messenger is a co-production of Behind the Wire and the Wheeler Centre. It's produced by Michael Green, André Dao, Hannah Reich and Bec Fary, with Jon Tjhia and Sophie Black at the Wheeler Centre.Narration by Michael Green. With reporting by Abdul Aziz Muhamat. Additional fact checking by the Guardian's Ben Doherty; transcription by Claire McGregor, Victoria Grey, Camilla Chapman, Lena Lettau and many more​. This episode was edited and mixed by Bec Fary and Jon Tjhia. Thank you Dana Affleck, Angelica Neville and Sienna Merope. Also to Cameron Ford, and to Behind the Wire's many participants and volunteers. Behind the Wire is supported by the Bertha Foundation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aziz's life has been a story of chance – and choice. As Michael pieces together Aziz's journey from Sudan to Manus, he realises Aziz has been searching for a safe place for about eight years. So what gives him the ability, and the energy, to speak out? How has Aziz fought for so long, and what makes him want to be ‘the messenger'? ‘I'm pretending like I'm really happy, and laugh, and you know, smiling on the phones and doing stuff like that – so they feel like, “Oh, my son is really living in a good environment”. So they think like that, but the opposite is the truth.' Aziz Aziz tells Michael, ‘I have got some people ...waiting for me. They love me, they want me to be with them.' Haltingly, and sometimes with great difficulty, Aziz starts to share stories about his home, the family that he longs to see, and why he fled. Looking to find out more, Michael speaks to Sudan expert Anne Bartlett about the current situation there. As Aziz shares snapshots from his past, Anne talks Michael through the conflict in Sudan, which, despite leaving the headlines long ago, continues to unfold. Michael worries that he's adding to Aziz's trauma by digging up painful memories – ever aware of how hard it is to have these kinds of conversations in short, overlapping messages, without the benefit of reading someone's signals face to face. Meanwhile, Aziz weighs up how much to tell his family about Manus, and explains to Michael why he's sometimes tortured by regret. Warning: This episode of The Messenger includes graphic content and mentions self-harm. If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact one of Australia's national 24/7 crisis services such as Lifeline on 13 11 14 or at lifeline.org.au, or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. Transcript Download a PDF transcript of this episode here. In this episode Abdul Aziz Muhamat Michael Green Associate Professor Anne Bartlett, University of New South Wales, President of the Sudan Studies Association Our theme music was composed by Raya Slavin. Music used in this episode includes: 'Blue Milk' by Stereolab, 'Up the Box' by Andy Stott, 'Feld' by To Rococo Rot, 'Firefly' and 'Four-Day Interval' by Tortoise, 'Cutting Branches for a Temporary Shelter' by Penguin Cafe Orchestra, 'Ending' by Kazumasa Hashimoto, 'Remedios the Beauty' by Oren Ambarchi, 'Lazyboat' and 'Vostok' by Triosk, 'Passages' by Bowery Electric, 'Self Seal Mishap' by Tennis and 'Ba Ba' by Sigur Rós. More information The Messenger is a co-production of Behind the Wire and the Wheeler Centre. It's produced by Michael Green, André Dao, Hannah Reich and Bec Fary, with Jon Tjhia and Sophie Black at the Wheeler Centre.Narration by Michael Green. With reporting by Abdul Aziz Muhamat. Additional fact checking by the Guardian's Ben Doherty; transcription by Claire McGregor, Victoria Grey, Camilla Chapman, Lena Lettau and many more​. This episode was edited and mixed by Bec Fary and Jon Tjhia. Thank you Dana Affleck, Angelica Neville and Sienna Merope. Also to Cameron Ford and Heidi Pett, and to Behind the Wire's many participants and volunteers. Behind the Wire is supported by the Bertha Foundation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the world reacts to the Trump administration's new US border policies, Aziz's situation is as uncertain as ever, with no end in sight. Life on Manus grinds on.  ‘When we see someone who is just hurting himself or he is trying to commit suicide, sometimes you just drag yourself away because of not getting the pictures in your head.' Aziz In this episode, Aziz and Michael start to get to know each other – and Aziz begins to paint a picture for Michael of daily life in the detention centre.Where is it, and why is it there? What are the conditions really like, and what's it like to live there with more than 800 other men and no prospect of release?Back in Melbourne, Michael meets Aziz's friend John Zammit, a former Manus Island psychologist who shares his experiences of the detention centre, and his recollections of Aziz. With help from John, and from Aziz's many messages, Michael pieces together a sense of Aziz's daily routine, just as order in the camp gets turned upside down … Warning: This episode of The Messenger mentions suicide and self-harm. If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact one of Australia's national 24/7 crisis services such as Lifeline on 13 11 14 or at lifeline.org.au, or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. Transcript Download a PDF transcript of this episode here. Further reading 'What Trump's Executive Order on Immigration Does – and Doesn't Do' by Krishnadev Calamur, Atlantic, accessed 30 January 2017 ‘US could resettle zero refugees from Manus and Nauru and still 'honour' deal' by Helen Davidson and Ben Doherty, Guardian, accessed 31 January 2017 In this episode Abdul Aziz Muhamat Michael Green John Zammit, former Manus Island psychologist Our theme music was composed by Raya Slavin. Music used in this episode includes: '02-07-02', ‘03-19-02', ‘03-03-02' and ‘03-23-02' by Taylor Deupree and Kenneth Kirschner, ‘Nord' by Radian, ‘Organ in the Attic Sings the Blues' by Deadbeat, ‘Iberia Eteria' by Biosphere, ‘Forskjellige Gode Ting' and ‘Alt Maste Bli Anorlunda' by Kim Hiorthøy, ‘Mario Bava Sleeps In a Little Later Than He Expected To' and ‘What True Self? Feels Bogus, Let's Watch Jason X' by Chris Zabriskie, ‘Northern Maine Junction' by Chessie, ‘Pilot' by Markus Guentner, ‘So Quick, Bright Things Come to Confusion' by Because of Ghosts, ‘Stereo Music For Yamaha Disklavier Prototype, Electric Guitar, And Computer' by Keith Fullerton Whitman, ‘Transmission 2' by DJ Shadow, ‘Lips' by Plurabelle and ‘Burnt Klubgirl Lid Tone' by Nels Cline and Thurston Moore. More information The Messenger is a co-production of Behind The Wire and the Wheeler Centre. It's produced by Michael Green, André Dao, Hannah Reich and Bec Fary, with Jon Tjhia and Sophie Black at the Wheeler Centre.Narration by Michael Green. Reporting by Abdul Aziz Muhamat. Additional fact checking by the Guardian's Ben Doherty; transcription by Claire McGregor, Victoria Grey, Marie-Louise Bethune, Julia Earley, and many more​. This episode was edited and mixed by Bec Fary and Jon Tjhia. Thank you Dana Affleck, Angelica Neville and Sienna Merope. Also to Cameron Ford and to Behind the Wire's many participants and volunteers. Behind the Wire is supported by the Bertha Foundation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a journalist, Michael Green had spoken to a lot of people who've been held in detention centres. Some were there for a few weeks, and others for as long as six years. But he'd never spoken to someone who was still inside a detention centre, and that's because Australia's immigration department, and the governments of Nauru and Manus, have traditionally made it very difficult for journalists to communicate with detainees. Visitors aren't allowed to make recordings, and the people who came by boat weren't initially allowed to use their own phones. ‘Same day – or different day – same shit. But still alive.' Aziz Then, early last year, Michael was given the phone number of a man who was still in detention on Manus Island. His name was Aziz. He was from Sudan, and he had a smuggled phone. But that was all Michael knew. So he sent him a text message saying hello, and he asked if we could speak on the phone. Aziz wrote back saying the reception in his room was too weak for calls. Michael thought they'd have to communicate entirely by text. Then he realised that on WhatsApp, you can send little voice messages that get delivered whenever you're in range. And so, in March 2016, Michael and Aziz first made contact. Transcript Download a PDF transcript of this episode here. Further reading ‘Meet the Messenger of Manus, one man trapped in Australia's offshore processing regime' by Ben Doherty, Guardian, accessed 24 January 2017 ‘Broken Men in Paradise' by Roger Cohen, New York Times, accessed 23 January 2017 ‘Not always and only broken: some responses to Roger Cohen's New York Times article' by Janet Galbraith with Behrouz Boochani, The Stringer, accessed 23 January 2017 In this episode Abdul Aziz Muhamat Michael Green Our theme music was composed by Raya Slavin. Music used in this episode includes: ‘Mario Bava Sleeps In a Little Later Than He Expected To' and ‘What True Self? Feels Bogus, Let's Watch Jason X' by Chris Zabriskie, ‘Blau' by Ganger, ‘+' by Kazumasa Hashimoto, ‘Malá Strana' by Gui Boratto, ‘Open Melody' by Lucky Dragons and ‘Headlights' by Triosk. More information The Messenger is a co-production of Behind The Wire and the Wheeler Centre. It's produced by Michael Green, André Dao, Hannah Reich and Bec Fary, with Jon Tjhia and Sophie Black at the Wheeler Centre. Narration by Michael Green. Reporting by Abdul Aziz Muhamat. Additional fact checking by the Guardian's Ben Doherty; transcription by Claire McGregor, Celine Yap, Mia Tinkler, Ruby Wawn, Isobel Egan and many more​. This episode was edited and mixed by Bec Fary and Jon Tjhia. Thank you Dana Affleck, Angelica Neville and Sienna Merope. Also to Cameron Ford and Madeleine Egan and to Behind the Wire's many participants and volunteers. Behind the Wire is supported by the Bertha Foundation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Messenger.  The series begins from Monday 23 January 2017 – but you can subscribe to the feed now in iTunes or your favourite podcast app. Sign up to the Wheeler Weekly for updates via email. #messengerpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.