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Bringing Hicks home an imperative for decency and democracy
Friday 12 January 2007
The continued failure of the Howard government to bring David Hicks back to Australia is not only grossly inhumane but also compromises the integrity of Australian democracy, according to Greens NSW Upper House candidate John Kaye.
"There is a groundswell of revulsion at the treatment of David Hicks and the appalling failure of the Howard government to request his return"
Dr Kaye, speaking this afternoon at a rally at Sydney Town Hall square to mark the fifth anniversary of the opening of the Guantanamo Bay facility said:
"A basic tenant of the common law is freedom from arbitrary detention. By making no attempt to get David Hicks out of the hands of the US military, the Howard government is creating a dangerous precedent.
"David Hicks is being denied almost every basic freedom and right. He has been held in custody since 2002 without being properly charged, presented with the evidence against him or being given the opportunity to cross examine his accusers.
"What is happening to David Hicks offends the sense of common decency that is integral to Australia society.
"It also creates a political environment in which every Australian is increasingly at risk from arbitrary and unwarranted persecution.
"The tide is turning on the sell out of basic civil rights.
"There is a groundswell of revulsion at the treatment of David Hicks and the appalling failure of the Howard government to request his return.
"John Howard may not have tired of his role as George Bush's deputy sheriff but the Australian people don't want to be his posse," Dr Kaye said.
For more information: John Kaye 0407 195 455
Photo by Steve.T: http://www.flickr.com/photos/asnightfollowsday/317578197/
