Dozens of immigrants who have escaped from the detention centre in Northern Australia have been holding a road side protest about their treatment. Media reports said the protesters were Afghans and unfurled a banner saying, we need protection not detention. The mass breakout comes after more than 100 alleged people-smugglers torched mattresses and staged a protest on the roof of the detention centre in two days of disturbances on Sunday and Monday. Australia has a policy of mandatory detention for asylum-seekers while their claims are processed.