“The psychological torment inflicted by the Australian government’s cruel and inhumane policies, compounded by personal challenges, drove him to a point where he believed he had nothing left to live for,” Barthlote said.

Barthlote said Yogalingam was a Christian from Sri Lanka who travelled by boat to Australia with his family in 2012. “He came to Australia at the age of 11 with his parents and four siblings after his family fled Sri Lanka due to threats from the Sri Lankan military,” the statement said.

“We mourn the loss of another young man who, like so many other young Tamils on bridging visas, woke up every day wondering if it would be the day he’d be forced to return to the persecution he fled,” Barthlote said.

“Mano had been waiting for over 12 years to learn if he could stay in Australia and escape the persecution he feared in Sri Lanka ... His mental health deteriorated under the strain of visa uncertainty, leading to this heartbreaking outcome.”

Yogalingam’s death devastated those in the protest movement, who held a vigil for him outside Home Affairs on Thursday afternoon. At the same time, others involved in refugee activism raised fears about copycat incidents.

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A spokesperson from the Department of Home Affairs said its “condolences are with family members and other individuals impacted at this difficult time”. “For privacy reasons, the department cannot comment on individual cases,” they said.

Crisis support is available from Lifeline on 13 11 14 and at lifeline.org.au.

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