Former Black Panther taken into custody 
Tuesday 8 July, 1997 (3:31pm AEST)
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American civil rights activist, Lorenzo Ervin, says he will call for a
boycott of the Sydney Olympics if he is deported from Australia.

The immigration department in Brisbane has taken Mr Ervin into custody. 

Acting Immigration Minister, Amanda Vanstone, says the entry of the former
Black Panther into Australia was against the national interest.

Mr Ervin has now been taken to Arthur Gorrie correctional centre.

His lawyers have gone to the Federal Court seeking bail.

Mr Ervin had a closed meeting with immigration officials in Brisbane today,
after which he said he expected to be taken into custody.

Mr Ervin says he has no chance of a fair hearing and accused Prime
Minister, John Howard, of double standards.

He says South African President, Nelson Mandela, was allowed into Australia
despite having a criminal record.

Mr Ervin says there will be international condemnation if he is deported.