The program revealed shocking vision of instances of apparent abuse of teenage detainees and examined long running issues and instances of mistreatment in the Northern Territory youth justice system. Related: Teenage boys were locked in cells when sprayed with teargas in NT juvenile centreTeargas was sprayed 10 times into the small room, and guards were overheard laughing and threatening detainees. John Elferink, the NT attorney general, minister for justice, minister for corrections, minister for children and families, and minister for health, continued to defend his role overseeing the justice system. “A royal commission into the treatment of children in Northern Territory detention is essential to determine the extent and impact of the abuse, to determine why this abuse was allowed to occur, and who knew about it,” Peter O’Brien said. “The justice system needs urgent review, both for the safety of children in detention, but also the long-term safety of our communities,” said Red Cross community services director Kerry McGrath.

Source: The Guardian July 25, 2016 20:45 UTC