[Greens-Media] Hicks case shows need for anti-terrorism review

[Simms, Robert (Sen S. Ludlam)]

Thursday, November 20 2008 

Hicks case shows need for
anti-terrorism review


The public gagging of David Hicks should be ended and Howard's
heavy-handed anti-terrorism laws reviewed, according to Australian
Greens Attorney General Spokesperson, Senator Scott Ludlam. 

Former Guantanamo
<http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/articles/2008/11/18/2
0081118WP-robinson1118.html>  Bay detainee David Hicks today told
members of online lobby group, Get Up that he is fearful a new control
order will be imposed on him by the Australian Federal Police, and this
will prevent him from being able to move forward in his life.

"Control orders are infringement of basic human rights and incompatible
with Australia's broader democratic culture," Senator Ludlam said. 

"Control orders are just one example of some of the draconian and
extreme aspects of the anti-terrorism laws the Howard government rammed
through the Senate after 2001 - and are yet to be reviewed by the Rudd
Government."

"The laws were passed without any safety net or mechanism for review.
Unfortunately, David Hicks is feeling the consequences of that flawed
process today. The Rudd government needs to support an independent
review so that we can be assured that the rights and freedoms of
Australians are not being eroded."

Last week the Greens supported a Bill initiated by Liberal backbencher
Petro Georgio to review the forty pieces of anti-terrorism legislation.
The government voted against the measure. 

Senator Ludlam has also questioned the legitimacy of David Hicks'
initial sentence.

"David Hicks was subject to an illegal and illegitimate military
tribunal process on foreign soil. He was held for five years without
charge, the principles of natural justice and rule of law were
disregarded and the Geneva conventions were not complied with. The
legitimacy of his conviction is therefore in doubt, even more so as the
US President-elect Obama has indicated his intention to close Guantanamo
<http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/articles/2008/11/18/2
0081118WP-robinson1118.html>  Bay. David Hicks has a right to closure
and should be allowed to move forward in his life."

"The control order should not be extended and David Hicks should be
afforded the same rights as any other Australia," said Senator Ludlam. 

For more information or media enquiries please call Robert Simms on 0417
174 302