process

"Ultimately, the legal process will run its course in court, and in time we hope to arrive at a just and fair resolution," he said.

"I hope that it helps with the diagnosis process," she said.

The prime minister's official spokesman said the decision was made by the CPS "entirely independently of government" and there was "no role for any government minister or member of the government in this decision-making process".

Mr Hogg said going through the process again had been "retraumatising", adding criminal justice "never favours victims" but instead prioritises prisoners.

Mr Masuku, who represents civil society groups groups challenging the deal, said he would have expected the government to "respect the court process and await its ruling" before accepting more deportees.