Australian, PNG authorities in talks to return three Australian men accused of rape: reports

Australian and Papua New Guinean authorities are in talks over the potential extradition of three former security guards at the Australian-run Manus Island detention center accused of rape, local media reported on Thursday.

The three men were sent back to Australia after allegedly raping a local woman who was found naked and unconscious in the male staff quarters.

PNG authorities accused Australia of trying to cover up the incident by removing the men, an allegation Australia strongly denies.

Manus Island MP Ron Knight told Australian local media he had been informed the three men would be returned.

"Apparently Transfield or immigration are chartering a plane and they should be back in the country by the end of next week," Knight said.

"They'll be brought back to Manus and charged accordingly."

The men face a possible death sentence if convicted.

Australian Immigration Minister Peter Dutton -- who is responsible for Australia's off-shore asylum seeker processing centers -- did not wish to comment, telling reporters in Brisbane on Thursday the return of the men is an issue for the Australian and PNG police forces.

Knight warned there could be on Manus Island -- known as a safe and welcoming island -- if the matter isn't dealt with after the woman's family and villagers seized two Transfield vehicles.

The father of the woman who was allegedly raped and other community supporters, armed with machetes reportedly hijacked a 25- seater bus and a three tonne truck belonging to the Australian-run detention center on Monday, out of anger that the three men had not faced justice.

"If they are not returned, there's going to be a huge problem. That was the first step, grabbing those vehicles, the next step is cutting off the airport," Knight said.

Knight said the vehicles were released once Transfield Services had promised to fly the three men responsible back by next week.

Xinhua has sought comment from Transfield Services.

In a separate incident, two Australian guards at the controversial detention center on Manus Island have been medically evacuated to Australia after crashing their car into a bridge.

The men were reportedly drunk when they crashed their car after drinking at a nearby hotel.

Beer cans and a local liquor were also found inside the vehicle.

The PNG government in early August ordered a drug and alcohol crackdown on detention centre staff following the alleged rape, accusing the center's operators of not following regulations and conducting strict drug and alcohol tests.

Dutton said Australians working in Papua New Guinea must respect local laws.

"The law applies equally to all people in PNG," Dutton said. Endi