Afghan, Sri Lankan Refugees Riot In Australian Detention Center, 37 Hurt

November 23, 2009 6:38 p.m. EST

Sydney, Australia (AHN) - Some 150 Afghan and Sri Lankan asylum seekers in Australia's refugee detention center in Christmas Island clashed on Monday injuring 37 people.

The riot on Saturday erupted after an argument between two groups of Afghan and Sri Lankan refugees, according to Immigration Minister Chris Evans.

The Australian Federal Police is investigating the incident to determine who should be criminally charged.

There are currently 1,184 refugees in Christmas Island awaiting the result of the processing of their asylum applications.