‘He fought his whole life’: independence advocate who fled persecution dies from Covid-19

John Souisa had spent five days at sea when relief washed over him - the Australian navy was approaching their boat, which was carrying 53 asylum seekers. After dodging Indonesian patrols, battling rough seas, and warding off hunger, the group had finally made it.

And just off the coast of Darwin, a huge warship was there to guide them safely to shore.

It was the year 2000 and behind them, John and his son Paul had left a terrible conflict in a remote and rarely visited part of Indonesia, one that led to more than 5,000 deaths and the displacement of 700,000 people.

On 16 January this year, John, 78, became one of the 42 South Australians to die from Covid that day.

He chose not to get vaccinated and deteriorated so rapidly after going to hospital that his son did not get to say a proper goodbye.

"He was a great man," says Paul.

"He was brave and always encouraged others. He cared about the human rights issues of his country."