While much of the world is watching the tragedy of MH17 and contemplating the grim fate of 298 deceased passengers sealed into a refrigerated freight train in the middle of a war zone, Australia (with 28 victims on that train) has more than just theoretical skeletons in the closet too.

At this moment, some 153 Tamil refugees, fleeing the same type of instability that brought a horrible death to the passengers of MH17, have been locked up in the hull of a customs ship on the high seas. Windowless cabins and a supply of food not fit for a dog are part of the Government's strategy to brutalize these people for simply trying to avoid the risk of enhanced imprisonment(TM) in their own country.

Under international protocol for rescue at sea and political asylum, these people should be taken to the nearest port and given a humanitarian visa on arrival. Australia, however, is trying to lie and cheat their way out of these international obligations while very loudly criticizing the plight of Australian victims in the hands of Putin. If Prime Minister Tony Abbott wants to encourage Putin to co-operate with the international community, shouldn't he try to lead by example? How can Australians be safe abroad if our country systematically abuses foreigners in their time of need?