Dear Khodayar, it is nearly the anniversary of the day when
you “cut your life”. I want to mark the first year since your death by going to
the final camp at 11:15 in the morning. Maybe I will read out one of these
letters to you and some words from Michelle Bui about the last few moments of
your life. In my efforts to remember you Khodayar, I also pay respect to the
other dead refugees who have not made it to safety. To your friends Nasim
Najafi, Reza Reazyee and Ahmad Ali Jaffari. To Leo Seemanpillai, Fazel Chegeni,
Hamid Kehazaei and Reza Barati. To Omid Masoumali, Reza X, Mohammad Hadi and
Saed Hassanloo. To Rakib Khan, Mohammad Nazari, Omid Ali Avaz and Rezene
Mebrahta Engeda. All of these people suffered Australia’s cruel treatments and
were killed in this way – as you yourself were Khodayar. False slogans of
humanity stuffed your ears with nonsense as the flames destroyed your body.
Your desperation a year ago was intense and I wish that I could offer you some
comfort. These rituals of homage at the place and time of your death is a
measure of my rage and regret. Love Stephen
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