The girl was picked up by police from her cousin’s house about 7pm as it was wrongly believed she had breached the conditions of her bail and had broken curfew. She was held overnight on Wednesday by police in Hobart. 

Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania chairman Michael Mansell said when taken before a magistrate the girl was immediately released. 

“It turned out the child was not under any curfew and police had acted unlawfully in arresting and depriving the child of her freedom,” Mr Mansell said. 

The girl’s aunt claimed during the incident the girl was intimidated and has been left traumatised emotionally and mentally. 

While in custody the teenager was asked to remove all her clothing, including her underwear, her aunt claimed, and was given a hospital gown style cover to sleep in. 

“She wasn’t treated appropriately and frankly shouldn’t have been there,” she said. 

“I’m astounded. This behaviour by police in Tasmania has to be addressed.” 

In a press release Tasmania Police said they arrested the girl acting on information about court bail conditions supplied by the court.

”All legislative and procedural protocols were followed with regards to the youth’s detention,” the release said.

“Police take very seriously their obligations and responsibilities in relation to youths in police custody.”

A Department of Justice spokesperson said all people who are taken into custody are strip-searched. 

“In this instance, all procedures for the strip search of a minor were followed,” the spokesperson said. 

Mr Mansell said the incident comes just days after police were criticised for locking up two Aboriginal youths in Hobart for two days before they faced court. 

A joint statement released by the Tasmanian and Victorians Aboriginal Legal Services said the incidents further highlighted the need for improved treatment of Aboriginal people by Tasmania Police. 

“The delay in presenting them to court is inexcusable and demonstrates a breakdown in police procedure that requires an explanation by Tasmania Police,” the statement said. 

Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre chief operations officer Raylene Foster said if a 13-year-old girl was taken into lock up that it is hard to see how all the correct steps were followed. 

“This goes to show that the system is not working,” Ms Foster said.