David Hicks held in 'nightmarish conditions'

AAP - Court documents suggest David Hicks is spending 22 hours a day in 'nightmarish' isolation in conditions described by inmates as 'a dungeon above the ground'. Read more...
News search: David Hicks

Hicks held in 'nightmarish conditions'

David Hicks is spending 22 hours a day in "nightmarish" isolation in conditions described by Guantanamo Bay inmates as "a dungeon above the ground", court documents suggest.

Fresh evidence about the treatment of prisoners in the US military base has been revealed amid deepening concerns about the Australian terrorist suspect's mental state, and just days before Hicks receives a visit from his Australian lawyer.

Conditions inside Hicks' cell block at the naval base in Cuba are so bad that detainees are suffering mental health problems ranging from "crushing loneliness" to hearing "voices", the documents say.

Life inside Guantanamo Bay's Camp 6, where Hicks was transferred in early December from another section of the prison, has been detailed in declarations filed in a case in the US District Court.

Lawyers are trying to expedite hearings for five terrorist suspects who are Uighur Muslims from the Xinjiang region of northern China that borders Central Asia.

The documents say the impact of Camp 6 conditions on the inmates has been "profound", and all five Uighurs are struggling to pass the days of "infinite tedium and loneliness".

"All describe a feeling of despair, crushing loneliness and abandonment by the world," a statutory declaration by the men's lawyer, Sabin Willett, said.

"One felt he was in the 'dungeon above the ground'; another said 'it feels like we are in tunnels'.

"All expressed a desperate desire for sunlight, fresh air and someone to speak to."

The tiny cells in camp 6 are constructed of solid metal and receive no natural air or sunlight.

There are no windows except for small glass strips which provide a view of the corridor, a clock and the military police guarding them.

They eat and pray alone and have no reading material other than the Koran.

Each inmate is allowed two hours "rec time" every 24 hours, but this is frequently only called late at night or in the early hours of the morning.

Recreation time is spent in a confined area measuring three metres by four metres and surrounded by concrete walls two storeys high, giving prisoners little chance of seeing the sun.

The US military had imposed on the men "a regimen of isolation and cruelty unheard of in penal or military law and unknown to civilised people", said Willett, who visited Guantanamo Bay on January 15 to 18.

Hicks', who is waiting for fresh charges to be laid against him, has been held at Guantanamo Bay without trial for five years and has been in continuous isolation since March last year.

His American military lawyer, Marine Corps Major Michael Mori, said he was disturbed by the reported conditions inside Camp 6.

"It's worse than even our supermax prisons in the United States," he told AAP.

"They've got TV, they've got books. These people don't have anything."

Hicks' Australian lawyer David McLeod left for Cuba on Friday and is due to visit Guantanamo on Monday, but has said there is no guarantee his Adelaide-born client will agree to see him.

The 31-year-old, who was captured among Taliban forces in Afghanistan in December 2001, refused to take a phone call from his family just before Christmas, raising fresh concerns about his emotional state.

Charges of conspiracy, aiding the enemy and attempted murder were dropped after the US Supreme Court ruled last June that the military commissions to try Guantanamo Bay detainees were unlawful.

The Pentagon announced a new system of military commissions earlier this month and Hicks is expected to face fresh charges within weeks.

Attorney-General Philip Ruddock said he wasn't aware of the specific conditions in which Hicks is detained, but added Australia is pushing for charges to be laid within weeks.

"I haven't seen the documents and I undoubtedly will be briefed on any documentation that has been tabled, but at this point I haven't seen any such documentation," he said.

"The prime minister has made it clear that we will be seeking from the United States charges by mid-February and we'll see how events unfold from there."

Hicks jail 'a Nazi death camp'
News Interactive - 15 minutes ago
IN the first detailed account from the Guantanamo Bay jail where David Hicks is held, a lawyer for a Washington firm has painted a picture of hellish conditions.
Civil rights lawyers on mission to visit Hicks
Sydney Morning Herald - Sun, 28 Jan 00:33:44 2007
LAWYERS for David Hicks will fly to Cuba today in an attempt to visit the Australian who has been held in solitary confinement for five years.
Hicks in 'nightmare isolation'
News Interactive - Sat, 27 Jan 23:10:59 2007
DAVID Hicks is spending 22 hours a day in "nightmarish" isolation in conditions described by Guantanamo Bay inmates as "crushing", court documents suggest.
Hicks in 'nightmarish' isolation
The Age - Sat, 27 Jan 17:15:29 2007
David Hicks is spending 22 hours a day in conditions described as "a dungeon above the ground", court papers suggest.
Hicks in 'nightmarish' isolation
Sydney Morning Herald - Sat, 27 Jan 16:43:16 2007
Terror suspect David Hicks is spending 22 hours a day in "nightmarish" isolation, court documents suggest.
Hicks 'in nightmarish isolation'
News Interactive - Sat, 27 Jan 17:09:20 2007
DAVID Hicks is spending 22 hours a day in "nightmarish" isolation in conditions described by Guantanamo Bay inmates as "a dungeon above the ground", court documents suggest.
Hicks held in 'nightmarish conditions'
Nyngan Observer - Sat, 27 Jan 17:18:08 2007
David Hicks is spending 22 hours a day in "nightmarish" isolation in conditions described by Guantanamo Bay inmates as "a dungeon above the ground", court documents suggest.
Hicks 'in nightmarish isolation'
The Australian - Sat, 27 Jan 17:03:07 2007
Fresh evidence about the treatment of prisoners in the US military base has been revealed amid deepening concerns about the Australian terrorist suspect's mental state, and just days before Hicks receives a visit from his Australian lawyer.
Lawyers to visit Hicks next week
The Australian - Thu, 25 Jan 14:03:18 2007
Hicks' legal team will spend next week in Cuba to meet the Adelaide-born detainee at the US military facility at Guantanamo Bay. Adelaide lawyer David McLeod, who leaves for Cuba tomorrow, said there was no guarantee Hicks would agree to meet them.
Lawyer won't discuss charges with Hicks
Australian Broadcasting Corporation - Thu, 25 Jan 13:56:39 2007
The Australian lawyer representing terrorism suspect David Hicks says he will not discuss charges or possible pleas when he meets his client.
Lawyer won't discuss charges with Hicks
Australian Broadcasting Corporation - Thu, 25 Jan 13:56:39 2007
The Australian lawyer representing terrorism suspect David Hicks says he will not discuss charges or possible pleas when he meets his client.
Lawyers fear Hicks may shun meeting
Ararat Advertiser - Thu, 25 Jan 15:58:49 2007
David Hicks' lawyers fear they could be shunned by the Australian terror suspect at a scheduled meeting at Guantanamo Bay on Monday. Hicks' legal team will spend next week in Cuba to meet with the Adelaide-born detainee at the US military facility.
Lawyers to visit Hicks next week
News Interactive - Thu, 25 Jan 14:05:28 2007
LAWYERS for Australian terror suspect David Hicks are to meet their client next week but fear he will refuse to see them.
Legal team gathers around Hicks
Ararat Advertiser - Thu, 25 Jan 11:59:32 2007
David Hicks' Australian lawyer is to visit the terrorist suspect at Guantanamo Bay. Adelaide-based lawyer David McLeod will join the rest of Hicks' legal team in visiting the US military prison in Cuba to confer with Hicks.
Man Convicted on Child Porn Charges
RedNova - Fri, 26 Jan 19:13:30 2007
A jury has found a Cross Lanes man guilty of making and receiving child pornography. David Allen Hicks, 37, was found guilty Tuesday in U.S. District Court on all counts of producing, receiving and possessing child pornography The verdict followed a five-day trial.
PM sets deadline for Hicks charges
The Age - Wed, 24 Jan 00:31:15 2007
Five years on, Australia demands the US charge David Hicks by mid-February.
Maryland
Washington Post - Thu, 25 Jan 18:49:42 2007
CLOSING The Local Landscape Montpelier Arts Center's exhibition featuring the landscapes of 11 artists, including Lou Gagnon, David Hicks and Elzbieta Sikorska, plucked from the Maryland State Arts Council's Visual Artists' Registry, ends today. Free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Montpelier Arts Center, 9652...
Five years on, Howard sets deadline for US to charge Hicks
The Age - Wed, 24 Jan 00:09:33 2007
Australia demands that US Government charge David Hicks by mid-February.
Govt plea for Hicks is hollow: Opposition
ABC via Yahoo!7 News - Tue, 23 Jan 23:49:00 2007
The federal Opposition says the Prime Minister has issued a hollow ultimatum to the United States over the future of Guantanamo Bay detainee David Hicks.
Terror case against David Hicks to be downgraded
News Interactive - Mon, 22 Jan 08:03:10 2007
AUSTRALIAN officials expect the case against terror suspect David Hicks to be downgraded by US prosecutors.
Terror case against David Hicks to be downgraded
Townsville Bulletin - Mon, 22 Jan 07:50:06 2007
AUSTRALIAN officials expect the case against terror suspect David Hicks to be downgraded by US prosecutors. Two years ago, the Adelaide-born terror suspect was charged with conspiracy to commit war crimes, attempted murder by an unprivileged belligerent and aiding the enemy.
Hicks request 'motivated by bad poll'
The Age - Tue, 23 Jan 19:36:57 2007
A negative poll is the only reason PM has asked the US to charge David Hicks within three weeks, says Labor.
Howard wants deadline on Hicks trial
The Age - Tue, 23 Jan 16:24:49 2007
PM tells US government Australian terror suspect David Hicks must be formally charged by mid-February.
PM gives US Hicks deadline
Sydney Morning Herald - Tue, 23 Jan 15:13:16 2007
John Howard gives the US an ultimatum to charge terror suspect David Hicks.
'Poll dip prompted move on Hicks'
News Interactive - Tue, 23 Jan 17:10:46 2007
A NEGATIVE poll is the only reason Prime Minister John Howard has asked the US to charge terror suspect David Hicks within three weeks, says Labor.
PM accused of Hicks case electioneering
Australian Broadcasting Corporation - Tue, 23 Jan 16:56:29 2007
The Federal Opposition has accused Prime Minister John Howard of being driven by opinion polls over the fate of Australian terrorism suspect David Hicks.
Hicks charges by 'middle of February'
ABC via Yahoo!7 News - Tue, 23 Jan 13:10:00 2007
Prime Minister John Howard says he is "reasonably optimistic" Australian Guantanamo Bay detainee David Hicks will be charged within weeks.
Charge Hicks by mid-Feb: Howard tells US
The West Australian - Tue, 23 Jan 16:06:14 2007
Prime Minister John Howard has told the US government that Australian terror suspect David Hicks must be formally charged by the middle of next month.
PM tells US to formally charge Hicks by next month
News Interactive - Tue, 23 Jan 19:19:32 2007
PRIME Minister John Howard said today he had told the US that Australian terror suspect David Hicks must be formally charged by the middle of next month.
Charge Hicks by mid-Feb: Howard tells US
Nyngan Observer - Tue, 23 Jan 14:20:18 2007
Prime Minister John Howard says he has told the US government Australian terror suspect David Hicks must be formally charged by the middle of next month.
Both Hicks and Ruddock await legal challenge
Tenterfield Star - Tue, 23 Jan 09:32:23 2007
Terrorist suspect David Hicks and Attorney-General Philip Ruddock are for once in the same legal boat.
Lawyer sees plea trap for Hicks
The Age - Tue, 23 Jan 00:13:43 2007
David Hicks at serious risk of pleading guilty to crime he did not commit out of desperation to get out of Guantanamo Bay, his Adelaide lawyer says.
We're all to blame for Hicks: Kennett
Hastings Gazette - Mon, 22 Jan 16:24:25 2007
All Australians are to blame for terror suspect David Hicks still being held at Guantanamo Bay, former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett says. With Hicks now having spent five years imprisoned without trial, Mr Kennett said it was "unacceptable" that Australians had not rallied to bring him home.
Hicks case may be empty
Sydney Morning Herald - Mon, 22 Jan 01:43:53 2007
The two embassies that David Hicks was accused of staking out as part of his al-Qaeda training were abandoned at the time.
'Poll dip prompted move on Hicks'
The Australian - Tue, 23 Jan 17:03:19 2007
Mr Howard today said he had asked the United States lay charges against Mr Hicks by the middle of February, without saying what the government would do if the time frame was not adhered to.
Hicks could face reduced charges
News Interactive - Mon, 22 Jan 01:41:29 2007
AUSTRALIAN officials believe the charges against terror suspect David Hicks may be downgraded by US prosecutors.
Hicks could face reduced charges
Ararat Advertiser - Mon, 22 Jan 06:29:26 2007
Australian officials believe the charges against terror suspect David Hicks may be downgraded by US prosecutors. The 31-year-old Adelaide father of two has been detained at Guantanamo Bay military prison since January 2002, a month after he was captured with the Taliban in Afghanistan..
Hicks supporters cite UK report on conditions
Northern Territory News - Mon, 22 Jan 02:15:31 2007
SUPPORTERS of Australian terror suspect David Hicks have seized on a British report criticising conditions within Guantanamo Bay to bolster their case for his release.
Report turns up heat over Hicks
The Age - Sun, 21 Jan 15:55:20 2007
British parliamentary report on Guantanamo Bay adds weight to the case for David Hicks' release, supporters say.
Report 'boosts Hicks's case'
Sydney Morning Herald - Sun, 21 Jan 13:43:43 2007
Supporters of David Hicks seize on a report criticising Guantanamo Bay to bolster their case for his release.
Labor turns up heat over Hicks
The Age - Sun, 21 Jan 14:10:30 2007
British parliamentary report on Guantanamo Bay adds weight to the case for David Hicks' release, Opposition says.
Report 'adds to case for Hicks' release'
AAP via Yahoo!7 News - Sun, 21 Jan 13:44:11 2007
A UK report criticising conditions at Guantanamo Bay adds further weight to the case for the release of terror Australian suspect David Hicks, Labor says.
Howard pede aos EUA que acusem formalmente australiano
O Estado de S. Paulo - Tue, 23 Jan 17:09:12 2007
David Hicks é suspeito de cooperar com guerrilheiros talebans e está detido desde 2002 na base americana de Guantánamo, em Cuba
Report 'adds to case for Hicks' release'
Nyngan Observer - Sun, 21 Jan 17:18:26 2007
A British parliamentary report criticising conditions at Guantanamo Bay adds further weight to the case for the immediate release of Australian terror suspect David Hicks, Labor says.
Howard pede aos EUA que acusem formalmente "talibã" australiano
Agência EFE via Yahoo! Brasil Notícias - Tue, 23 Jan 15:44:10 2007
O primeiro-ministro australiano, John Howard, pediu formalmente aos EUA que nas próximas semanas apresente acusações contra David Hicks, detido desde 2002 na base americana de Guantánamo, em Cuba, sob suspeita de terrorismo.
Hicks trial delay could backfire on Howard
The West Australian - Sun, 21 Jan 09:07:25 2007
The Federal Government's refusal to bring David Hicks home could backfire with moves in the United States to reinstate the legal rights of Guantanamo Bay detainees likely to further delay his trial.
Australia wants trial for Gitmo detainee
EARTHtimes.org - Tue, 23 Jan 23:40:51 2007
Australian Prime Minister John Howard has asked Washington to formally charge Guantanamo detainee David Hicks by mid-February.
Howard tries to avoid Hicks fallout
The Age - Sun, 21 Jan 01:25:50 2007
The Federal Government's refusal to bring David Hicks home could backfire.
Primer ministro pide a EEUU que acuse formalmente a 'talibán' australiano
Terra España - Tue, 23 Jan 15:13:02 2007
El primer ministro australiano, John Howard, ha pedido formalmente a EEUU que en las próximas semanas presente cargos contra David Hicks, detenido desde 2002 en la base estadounidense de Guantánamo (Cuba) por supuestos delitos terroristas.
Hicks trial faces further delay: report
Tenterfield Star - Sun, 21 Jan 06:18:16 2007
The Australian government's refusal to bring David Hicks home could backfire, with a push in the United States to reinstate the legal rights of Guantanamo Bay detainees likely to delay his trial.
Downer slams Hicks' lawyers
The Age - Sat, 20 Jan 12:55:24 2007
Alexander Downer criticises David Hicks' lawyers for disputing his report that the Australian terror suspect is healthy.
Downer lashes Hicks' lawyers
Sydney Morning Herald - Sat, 20 Jan 12:28:34 2007
Foreign Minister takes David Hicks' lawyers to task for disputing his claim the terror suspect is in "good health".
Bush 'can't be trusted' on Hicks
News Interactive - Sat, 20 Jan 14:26:25 2007
PRIME Minister John Howard cannot pretend assurances by the Bush administration that terror suspect David Hicks will receive a fair trial are anything but worthless, the Australian Democrats said today.
Downer confirms Hicks's mental health not assessed by doctor
ABC via Yahoo!7 News - Sat, 20 Jan 10:00:00 2007
Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer has confirmed a US Embassy official was the outsider who recently saw David Hicks at Guantanamo Bay.
Downer slams comments by Hicks lawyers
The West Australian - Sat, 20 Jan 14:06:17 2007
Foreign Minister Alexander Downer has hit back at lawyers representing David Hicks for disputing his report that the Australian terror suspect is healthy.
PM can't trust Bush on Hicks: Democrats
Ararat Advertiser - Sat, 20 Jan 16:29:37 2007
Prime Minister John Howard cannot pretend assurances by the Bush administration that terror suspect David Hicks will receive a fair trial are anything but worthless, the Australian Democrats say.
David isn't well: Terry Hicks
The West Australian - Thu, 18 Jan 13:51:15 2007
The father of Guantanamo detainee David Hicks says he doesn't believe Foreign Minister Alexander Downer's assertion that his son is in good health.
Hicks in nightmare isolation, documents say
News Interactive - Sat, 27 Jan 17:16:07 2007
DAVID Hicks is spending 22 hours a day in "nightmarish" isolation in conditions described by Guantanamo Bay inmates as "a dungeon above the ground", court documents suggest.
Hicks held in 'nightmarish conditions'
Hastings Gazette - Sat, 27 Jan 17:17:31 2007
David Hicks is spending 22 hours a day in "nightmarish" isolation in conditions described by Guantanamo Bay inmates as "a dungeon above the ground", court documents suggest.
Lawyers fear Hicks may shun meeting
Hastings Gazette - Thu, 25 Jan 15:46:57 2007
David Hicks' lawyers fear they could be shunned by the Australian terror suspect at a scheduled meeting at Guantanamo Bay on Monday. Hicks' legal team will spend next week in Cuba to meet with the Adelaide-born detainee at the US military facility.
Legal team gathers around Hicks
Hastings Gazette - Thu, 25 Jan 11:47:38 2007
David Hicks' Australian lawyer is to visit the terrorist suspect at Guantanamo Bay. Adelaide-based lawyer David McLeod will join the rest of Hicks' legal team in visiting the US military prison in Cuba to confer with Hicks.
Hicks held in 'nightmarish conditions'
Tenterfield Star - Sat, 27 Jan 17:17:40 2007
David Hicks is spending 22 hours a day in "nightmarish" isolation in conditions described by Guantanamo Bay inmates as "a dungeon above the ground", court documents suggest.
Hicks held in 'nightmarish conditions'
Nyngan Observer - Sat, 27 Jan 17:17:38 2007
David Hicks is spending 22 hours a day in "nightmarish" isolation in conditions described by Guantanamo Bay inmates as "a dungeon above the ground", court documents suggest.
Lawyers fear Hicks may shun meeting
Ararat Advertiser - Thu, 25 Jan 15:59:40 2007
David Hicks' lawyers fear they could be shunned by the Australian terror suspect at a scheduled meeting at Guantanamo Bay on Monday. Hicks' legal team will spend next week in Cuba to meet with the Adelaide-born detainee at the US military facility.
Lawyers fear Hicks may shun meeting
Tenterfield Star - Thu, 25 Jan 15:47:50 2007
David Hicks' lawyers fear they could be shunned by the Australian terror suspect at a scheduled meeting at Guantanamo Bay on Monday. Hicks' legal team will spend next week in Cuba to meet with the Adelaide-born detainee at the US military facility.
Legal team gathers around Hicks
Nyngan Observer - Thu, 25 Jan 11:47:46 2007
David Hicks' Australian lawyer is to visit the terrorist suspect at Guantanamo Bay. Adelaide-based lawyer David McLeod will join the rest of Hicks' legal team in visiting the US military prison in Cuba to confer with Hicks.
Legal team gathers around Hicks
Stawell Times-News - Thu, 25 Jan 11:53:55 2007
David Hicks' Australian lawyer is to visit the terrorist suspect at Guantanamo Bay. Adelaide-based lawyer David McLeod will join the rest of Hicks' legal team in visiting the US military prison in Cuba to confer with Hicks.
Govt plea for Hicks is hollow: Opposition
Australian Broadcasting Corporation - Tue, 23 Jan 23:56:09 2007
The federal Opposition says the Prime Minister has issued a hollow ultimatum to the United States over the future of Guantanamo Bay detainee David Hicks.
'Poll dip prompted move on Hicks'
News Interactive - Tue, 23 Jan 17:10:36 2007
A NEGATIVE poll is the only reason Prime Minister John Howard has asked the US to charge terror suspect David Hicks within three weeks, says Labor.
Hicks charges expected by 'middle of February'
Australian Broadcasting Corporation - Tue, 23 Jan 13:41:39 2007
Prime Minister John Howard says he is "reasonably optimistic" Australian Guantanamo Bay detainee David Hicks will be charged within weeks.
PM tells US to formally charge Hicks by next month
Townsville Bulletin - Tue, 23 Jan 19:15:18 2007
PRIME Minister John Howard said today he had told the US that Australian terror suspect David Hicks must be formally charged by the middle of next month.
Charge Hicks by mid-Feb: Howard tells USHastings Gazette - Tue, 23 Jan 14:24:44 2007Prime Minister John Howard says he has told the US government Australian terror suspect David Hicks must be formally charged by the middle of next month.
Both Hicks and Ruddock await legal challenge
Nyngan Observer - Tue, 23 Jan 09:32:18 2007
Terrorist suspect David Hicks and Attorney-General Philip Ruddock are for once in the same legal boat.
PM told US to charge Hicks by next month
News Interactive - Tue, 23 Jan 13:11:49 2007
PRIME Minister John Howard said today he had told the US that Australian terror suspect David Hicks must be formally charged by the middle of next month.
Charge Hicks by mid-Feb: Howard tells US
Ararat Advertiser - Tue, 23 Jan 14:29:48 2007
Prime Minister John Howard says he has told the US government Australian terror suspect David Hicks must be formally charged by the middle of next month.
Charge Hicks by mid-Feb: Howard tells US
Ararat Advertiser - Tue, 23 Jan 14:29:09 2007
Prime Minister John Howard says he has told the US government Australian terror suspect David Hicks must be formally charged by the middle of next month.
Both Hicks and Ruddock await legal challenge
Ararat Advertiser - Tue, 23 Jan 09:28:22 2007
Terrorist suspect David Hicks and Attorney-General Philip Ruddock are for once in the same legal boat.
We're all to blame for Hicks: Kennett
Nyngan Observer - Mon, 22 Jan 16:17:38 2007
All Australians are to blame for terror suspect David Hicks still being held at Guantanamo Bay, former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett says. With Hicks now having spent five years imprisoned without trial, Mr Kennett said it was "unacceptable" that Australians had not rallied to bring him home.
'Poll dip prompted move on Hicks'
The Australian - Tue, 23 Jan 17:03:29 2007
Mr Howard today said he had asked the United States lay charges against Mr Hicks by the middle of February, without saying what the government would do if the time frame was not adhered to.
Open or shut: Hicks case may be empty
Sydney Morning Herald - Mon, 22 Jan 00:19:25 2007
THE two embassies that David Hicks was accused of staking out as part of his al-Qaeda training were abandoned at the time.
Hicks could face reduced charges
Ararat Advertiser - Mon, 22 Jan 06:30:16 2007
Australian officials believe the charges against terror suspect David Hicks may be downgraded by US prosecutors. The 31-year-old Adelaide father of two has been detained at Guantanamo Bay military prison since January 2002, a month after he was captured with the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Both Hicks and Ruddock await legal challenge
Merredin Wheatbelt Mercury - Tue, 23 Jan 09:24:04 2007
Terrorist suspect David Hicks and Attorney-General Philip Ruddock are for once in the same legal boat.
We're all to blame for Hicks: Kennett
Hastings Gazette - Mon, 22 Jan 16:23:23 2007
All Australians are to blame for terror suspect David Hicks still being held at Guantanamo Bay, former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett says. With Hicks now having spent five years imprisoned without trial, Mr Kennett said it was "unacceptable" that Australians had not rallied to bring him home.
We're all to blame for Hicks: Kennett
Western Advocate - Mon, 22 Jan 16:21:23 2007
All Australians are to blame for terror suspect David Hicks still being held at Guantanamo Bay, former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett says. With Hicks now having spent five years imprisoned without trial, Mr Kennett said it was "unacceptable" that Australians had not rallied to bring him home.
Hicks could face reduced charges
Hastings Gazette - Mon, 22 Jan 06:24:37 2007
Australian officials believe the charges against terror suspect David Hicks may be downgraded by US prosecutors. The 31-year-old Adelaide father of two has been detained at Guantanamo Bay military prison since January 2002, a month after he was captured with the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Hicks could face reduced charges
Nyngan Observer - Mon, 22 Jan 06:17:45 2007
Australian officials believe the charges against terror suspect David Hicks may be downgraded by US prosecutors. The 31-year-old Adelaide father of two has been detained at Guantanamo Bay military prison since January 2002, a month after he was captured with the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Hicks could face reduced charges
News Interactive - Mon, 22 Jan 01:41:20 2007
AUSTRALIAN officials believe the charges against terror suspect David Hicks may be downgraded by US prosecutors.
Hicks supporters cite UK report on conditions
Townsville Bulletin - Mon, 22 Jan 01:50:14 2007
SUPPORTERS of Australian terror suspect David Hicks have seized on a British report criticising conditions within Guantanamo Bay to bolster their case for his release.
Report 'adds to case for Hicks' release'
Nyngan Observer - Sun, 21 Jan 17:17:45 2007
A British parliamentary report criticising conditions at Guantanamo Bay adds further weight to the case for the immediate release of Australian terror suspect David Hicks, Labor says.
Howard pede aos EUA que acuse formalmente "talibã" australiano
Agência EFE via Yahoo! Brasil Notícias - Tue, 23 Jan 15:43:45 2007
O primeiro-ministro australiano, John Howard, pediu formalmente aos EUA que nas próximas semanas apresente acusações contra David Hicks, detido desde 2002 na base americana de Guantánamo, em Cuba, sob suspeita de terrorismo.
Hicks trial faces further delay: report
Tenterfield Star - Sun, 21 Jan 06:17:36 2007
The Australian government's refusal to bring David Hicks home could backfire, with a push in the United States to reinstate the legal rights of Guantanamo Bay detainees likely to delay his trial.
Report 'adds to case for Hicks' release'
Tenterfield Star - Sun, 21 Jan 17:18:31 2007
A British parliamentary report criticising conditions at Guantanamo Bay adds further weight to the case for the immediate release of Australian terror suspect David Hicks, Labor says.
Report 'adds to case for Hicks' release'
Queanbeyan Age - Sun, 21 Jan 17:06:58 2007
A British parliamentary report criticising conditions at Guantanamo Bay adds further weight to the case for the immediate release of Australian terror suspect David Hicks, Labor says.
Hicks trial faces further delay: report
Ararat Advertiser - Sun, 21 Jan 06:14:12 2007
The Australian government's refusal to bring David Hicks home could backfire, with a push in the United States to reinstate the legal rights of Guantanamo Bay detainees likely to delay his trial.
Hicks trial faces further delay: report
Ararat Advertiser - Sun, 21 Jan 06:13:32 2007
The Australian government's refusal to bring David Hicks home could backfire, with a push in the United States to reinstate the legal rights of Guantanamo Bay detainees likely to delay his trial.
Rogers Lineman Ziemba To Commit To Auburn
The Morning News - Fri, 26 Jan 20:32:09 2007
ROGERS -- Rogers offensive lineman Lee Ziemba has scheduled a press conference Friday morning to announce that he will attend Auburn University. The news conference will be held in the Commons Area at Rogers High.
Dish: celebrity news
Northwest Herald - Fri, 26 Jan 11:53:42 2007
“American Idol” finalist Chris Daughtry will perform a free concert in downtown Greensboro, N.C., on March 23.
Downer hits back at Hicks' lawyer
The Age - Sat, 20 Jan 12:25:20 2007
Alexander Downer criticises David Hicks' lawyers for disputing his report that the Australian terror suspect is healthy.
PM can't trust Bush on Hicks: Democrats
Ararat Advertiser - Sat, 20 Jan 16:28:51 2007
Prime Minister John Howard cannot pretend assurances by the Bush administration that terror suspect David Hicks will receive a fair trial are anything but worthless, the Australian Democrats say.
Downer confirms Hicks's mental health not assessed by doctor
Australian Broadcasting Corporation - Sat, 20 Jan 10:20:26 2007
Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer has confirmed a US Embassy official was the outsider who recently saw David Hicks at Guantanamo Bay.
David isn't well: Terry Hicks
Hastings Gazette - Thu, 18 Jan 14:24:46 2007
The father of Guantanamo detainee David Hicks says he doesn't believe Foreign Minister Alexander Downer's assertion that his son is in good health.
PM can't trust Bush on Hicks: Democrats
Tenterfield Star - Sat, 20 Jan 16:17:53 2007
Prime Minister John Howard cannot pretend assurances by the Bush administration that terror suspect David Hicks will receive a fair trial are anything but worthless, the Australian Democrats say.
PM can't trust Bush on Hicks: Democrats
Tenterfield Star - Sat, 20 Jan 16:18:42 2007
Prime Minister John Howard cannot pretend assurances by the Bush administration that terror suspect David Hicks will receive a fair trial are anything but worthless, the Australian Democrats say.
David isn't well: Terry Hicks
Tenterfield Star - Thu, 18 Jan 14:18:40 2007
The father of Guantanamo detainee David Hicks says he doesn't believe Foreign Minister Alexander Downer's assertion that his son is in good health.
Downer slams comments by Hicks lawyers
Hastings Gazette - Sat, 20 Jan 12:38:20 2007
Foreign Minister Alexander Downer has hit back at lawyers representing David Hicks for disputing his report that the Australian terror suspect is healthy.
Hicks's state judged by US flack
News Interactive - Sat, 20 Jan 02:59:04 2007
THE assessment that David Hicks's mental state was fine relied on a three-minute observation by an official who did not even exchange words with him.
David isn't well: Terry Hicks
Merredin Wheatbelt Mercury - Thu, 18 Jan 14:24:26 2007
The father of Guantanamo detainee David Hicks says he doesn't believe Foreign Minister Alexander Downer's assertion that his son is in good health.
Backlash over Hicks trial rules
The Age - Sat, 20 Jan 01:40:40 2007
Federal Government could face backbench revolt over David Hicks after the announcement of US rules sparks legal outrage.
Downer slams comments by Hicks lawyers
Hastings Gazette - Sat, 20 Jan 12:39:11 2007
Foreign Minister Alexander Downer has hit back at lawyers representing David Hicks for disputing his report that the Australian terror suspect is healthy.
Downer slams comments by Hicks lawyers
The Star - Sat, 20 Jan 12:30:12 2007
Foreign Minister Alexander Downer has hit back at lawyers representing David Hicks for disputing his report that the Australian terror suspect is healthy.
MP backlash as US sets Hicks terror trial rules
The Age - Sat, 20 Jan 01:27:17 2007
The Federal Government could be facing a backbench revolt over David Hicks after the United States revealed the rules under which he will be tried.
Hicks's state judged by US flack
Northern Territory News - Sat, 20 Jan 05:16:11 2007
ALEXANDER Downer's assessment that David Hicks's mental condition was fine relied on a three-minute observation by an official at the US embassy in Canberra who did not exchange words with the Australian terror suspect.
Letters extra
Guardian Unlimited - Wed, 24 Jan 11:10:42 2007
Bleak care "These are practices that were out of date 20 years ago," writes David Brindle . When I retired from Buckinghamshire social services 23 years ago, highly trained and supervised people staffed establishments for children, the elderly and people with learning difficulties.
Downer says no evidence David Hicks is mentally ill
Townsville Bulletin - Thu, 18 Jan 08:49:56 2007
ALEXANDER Downer has denied that terror suspect David Hicks is suffering any mental illness as a result of his five-year detention at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba.
Downer says no evidence David Hicks is mentally ill
News Interactive - Thu, 18 Jan 08:36:52 2007
ALEXANDER Downer has denied that terror suspect David Hicks is suffering any mental illness as a result of his five-year detention at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba.
Father's fury at Hicks visit
The Age - Fri, 19 Jan 16:25:41 2007
Minister's assessment of David Hicks' mental state based on US report of five-minute Guantanamo encounter.
Hicks's mental health not assessed by doctor
ABC via Yahoo!7 News - Fri, 19 Jan 17:42:00 2007
It has been revealed that a public affairs officer with the US Embassy in Canberra, not a doctor, assesed the mental health of Australian Guantanamo Bay detainee David Hicks.
No fair trial for Hicks, says Mori
Ararat Advertiser - Fri, 19 Jan 20:44:26 2007
Revamped US military commissions are loaded against David Hicks and won't provide the Australian terror suspect a fair trial, his lawyer and family say.
No fair trial for Hicks, says Mori
Ararat Advertiser - Fri, 19 Jan 20:43:56 2007
Revamped US military commissions are loaded against David Hicks and won't provide the Australian terror suspect a fair trial, his lawyer and family say.
No fair trial for Hicks, says Mori
Tenterfield Star - Fri, 19 Jan 20:32:52 2007
Revamped US military commissions are loaded against David Hicks and won't provide the Australian terror suspect a fair trial, his lawyer and family say.
Hicks case to begin soon: Pentagon
Sydney Morning Herald - Fri, 19 Jan 13:28:45 2007
Military commission proceedings against David Hicks will begin "soon", the US Defence Department confirmed today.
Hicks may be closer to trial
7News via Yahoo!7 News - Fri, 19 Jan 11:12:00 2007
Australian terror suspect David Hicks is a step closer to facing trial at Guantanamo Bay.
Government urged to protest over Hicks
News Interactive - Fri, 19 Jan 13:41:54 2007
THE federal Government must protest to the US that the new military commissions set to try terror suspect David Hicks were unfair, Labor said today.
Hicks in initial 10 prosecutions
News Interactive - Fri, 19 Jan 12:41:55 2007
MILITARY commission proceedings against Australian terrorist suspect David Hicks will begin "soon", the US Defence Department said today.
No fair trial for Hicks, says Mori
Western Advocate - Fri, 19 Jan 20:37:17 2007
Revamped US military commissions are loaded against David Hicks and won't provide the Australian terror suspect a fair trial, his lawyer and family say.
Hicks's lawyer blasts new guidelines
Australian Broadcasting Corporation - Fri, 19 Jan 09:56:59 2007
David Hicks's American lawyer says new guidelines for his client's military trial are unfair and do not improve on the previous flawed system.
Hicks' lawyer blasts new trial rules
News Interactive - Fri, 19 Jan 09:11:45 2007
DAVID Hicks' lawyer has blasted new rules for trying Guantanamo Bay inmates, saying the Australian terrorist suspect has no chance of a fair trial under the system.
Government urged to protest over Hicks
News Interactive - Fri, 19 Jan 13:41:24 2007
THE federal Government must protest to the US that the new military commissions set to try terror suspect David Hicks were unfair, Labor said today.
No chance of fair trial: Hicks' father
Ararat Advertiser - Fri, 19 Jan 12:14:47 2007
Australian terrorist suspect David Hicks has no chance of a fair trial under revamped US military commissions, his father says. Terry Hicks says the new commission regulations detailed by the US Defence Department on Friday offer no fresh hope to his son.
Hicks' lawyer blasts new trial rules
News Interactive - Fri, 19 Jan 09:11:20 2007
DAVID Hicks' lawyer has blasted new rules for trying Guantanamo Bay inmates, saying the Australian terrorist suspect has no chance of a fair trial under the system.
No chance of fair trial: Hicks' father
Nyngan Observer - Fri, 19 Jan 12:03:17 2007
Australian terrorist suspect David Hicks has no chance of a fair trial under revamped US military commissions, his father says. Terry Hicks says the new commission regulations detailed by the US Defence Department on Friday offer no fresh hope to his son.
No chance of fair trial: Hicks' father
Tenterfield Star - Fri, 19 Jan 12:04:35 2007
Australian terrorist suspect David Hicks has no chance of a fair trial under revamped US military commissions, his father says. Terry Hicks says the new commission regulations detailed by the US Defence Department on Friday offer no fresh hope to his son.
Still no fair trial for Hicks, says lawyer
News Interactive - Fri, 19 Jan 11:48:14 2007
AUSTRALIAN terror suspect David Hicks could be convicted on evidence gained by coercion under the rules of revamped US military commissions, his father and military lawyer said today.
Report on Hicks not reliable, says father
Tenterfield Star - Fri, 19 Jan 09:47:26 2007
The father of detained Australian terror suspect David Hicks has dismissed as worthless reports that his son is in good physical and mental condition, saying the US officials who visited him did not stay long enough to make a proper assessment.
Hicks' lawyer slams new Guantanamo rules
Ararat Advertiser - Fri, 19 Jan 10:14:15 2007
David Hicks' lawyer has blasted new rules for trying Guantanamo Bay inmates, saying the Australian terrorist suspect has no chance of a fair trial under the system.
Still no fair trial for Hicks, says lawyer
Townsville Bulletin - Fri, 19 Jan 11:49:56 2007
AUSTRALIAN terror suspect David Hicks could be convicted on evidence gained by coercion under the rules of revamped US military commissions, his father and military lawyer said today.
Still no fair trial for Hicks, says lawyer
Northern Territory News - Fri, 19 Jan 11:45:10 2007
AUSTRALIAN terror suspect David Hicks could be convicted on evidence gained by coercion under the rules of revamped US military commissions, his father and military lawyer said today.
Report on Hicks not reliable, says father
Ararat Advertiser - Fri, 19 Jan 09:43:24 2007
The father of detained Australian terror suspect David Hicks has dismissed as worthless reports that his son is in good physical and mental condition, saying the US officials who visited him did not stay long enough to make a proper assessment.
Hicks' lawyer slams new Guantanamo rules
Tenterfield Star - Fri, 19 Jan 10:17:42 2007
David Hicks' lawyer has blasted new rules for trying Guantanamo Bay inmates, saying the Australian terrorist suspect has no chance of a fair trial under the system.
Hicks' lawyer slams new Guantanamo rules
Nyngan Observer - Fri, 19 Jan 10:18:19 2007
David Hicks' lawyer has blasted new rules for trying Guantanamo Bay inmates, saying the Australian terrorist suspect has no chance of a fair trial under the system.
No chance of fair trial: Hicks' father
Stawell Times-News - Fri, 19 Jan 12:14:09 2007
Australian terrorist suspect David Hicks has no chance of a fair trial under revamped US military commissions, his father says. Terry Hicks says the new commission regulations detailed by the US Defence Department on Friday offer no fresh hope to his son.
Report on Hicks not reliable, says father
The Star - Fri, 19 Jan 09:45:24 2007
The father of detained Australian terror suspect David Hicks has dismissed as worthless reports that his son is in good physical and mental condition, saying the US officials who visited him did not stay long enough to make a proper assessment.
Hicks' lawyer slams new Guantanamo rules
The Star - Fri, 19 Jan 10:16:14 2007
David Hicks' lawyer has blasted new rules for trying Guantanamo Bay inmates, saying the Australian terrorist suspect has no chance of a fair trial under the system
Report on Hicks not reliable, says father
Stawell Times-News - Fri, 19 Jan 09:43:13 2007
The father of detained Australian terror suspect David Hicks has dismissed as worthless reports that his son is in good physical and mental condition, saying the US officials who visited him did not stay long enough to make a proper assessment.
Bush 'can't be trusted' on Hicks
The Australian - Sat, 20 Jan 14:03:09 2007
Democrats leader Lyn Allison was referring to a comment by Foreign Minister Alexander Downer that he had been told by a person who had visited Hicks in Guantanamo Bay that he was mentally sound, contradicting claims by his father, Terry Hicks.
Downer can't be believed on Hicks: Father
News Interactive - Thu, 18 Jan 20:50:23 2007
FOREIGN Minister Alexander Downer assertion that there's no evidence David Hicks is suffering mental illness is unbelievable, the terror suspect's father and Labor say.
Australia wants U.S.-held captive charged soon
Miami Herald - Wed, 24 Jan 01:26:42 2007
Australia has asked the United States to bring new charges against Australia's sole remaining inmate at Guantánamo Bay by the middle of next month, the prime minister said today.
Downer can't be believed on Hicks: Father
News Interactive - Thu, 18 Jan 20:50:57 2007
FOREIGN Minister Alexander Downer assertion that there's no evidence David Hicks is suffering mental illness is unbelievable, the terror suspect's father and Labor say.
Reveal identity of Hicks's visitor, ALP urges Downer
ABC via Yahoo!7 News - Thu, 18 Jan 11:41:00 2007
The Federal Opposition says the Foreign Affairs Minister should reveal who made an assessment of Guantanamo Bay detainee David Hicks's mental state.
Downer 'stupid' on Hicks
The Age - Fri, 19 Jan 14:55:20 2007
Minister's assessment of Hicks' mental state based on US report of five-minute Guantanamo encounter.
Bush can't be trusted: Democrats
The Age - Sat, 20 Jan 14:55:20 2007
Democrats say assurances by the Bush administration that David Hicks will receive a fair trial are worthless.
Hicks not mentally ill, insists Downer
AAP via Yahoo!7 News - Thu, 18 Jan 09:37:05 2007
Foreign Minister Alexander Downer insists Guantanamo Bay inmate David Hicks is not suffering from mental illness.
Bush can't be trusted: Democrats
Sydney Morning Herald - Sat, 20 Jan 14:43:44 2007
Row over the psychological health and legal position of Australian terror suspect David Hicks escalates.
Hicks showing no sign of mental illness: Downer
ABC via Yahoo!7 News - Thu, 18 Jan 09:08:00 2007
Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer says he has been told Guantanamo Bay detainee David Hicks is showing no sign of mental illness.
Hicks not mentally ill, insists Downer
Nyngan Observer - Thu, 18 Jan 10:20:19 2007
Foreign Minister Alexander Downer insists Guantanamo Bay inmate David Hicks is not suffering from mental illness. But the minister has given scant information about a meeting between Hicks and a foreign national which Mr Downer says shows the Australian is in good health.
Hicks not mentally ill: Downer
Townsville Bulletin - Thu, 18 Jan 10:19:46 2007
FOREIGN Minister Alexander Downer insists Guantanamo Bay inmate David Hicks is not suffering from mental illness. But the minister has given scant information about a meeting between Hicks and a foreign national which Mr Downer said shows the Australian is in good health.
Hicks not mentally ill, insists Downer
Ararat Advertiser - Thu, 18 Jan 10:15:04 2007
Foreign Minister Alexander Downer insists Guantanamo Bay inmate David Hicks is not suffering from mental illness. But the minister has given scant information about a meeting between Hicks and a foreign national which Mr Downer says shows the Australian is in good health.
Hicks not mentally ill, insists Downer
Nyngan Observer - Thu, 18 Jan 10:17:41 2007
Foreign Minister Alexander Downer insists Guantanamo Bay inmate David Hicks is not suffering from mental illness. But the minister has given scant information about a meeting between Hicks and a foreign national which Mr Downer says shows the Australian is in good health.
Hicks not mentally ill: Downer
Northern Territory News - Thu, 18 Jan 10:15:01 2007
FOREIGN Minister Alexander Downer insists Guantanamo Bay inmate David Hicks is not suffering from mental illness. But the minister has given scant information about a meeting between Hicks and a foreign national which Mr Downer said shows the Australian is in good health.
Hicks not mentally ill, insists Downer
Ararat Advertiser - Thu, 18 Jan 10:13:43 2007
Foreign Minister Alexander Downer insists Guantanamo Bay inmate David Hicks is not suffering from mental illness. But the minister has given scant information about a meeting between Hicks and a foreign national which Mr Downer says shows the Australian is in good health.
Downer: no sign of distress in Hicks
Sydney Morning Herald - Thu, 18 Jan 01:07:09 2007
David Hicks shows no sign of mental distress that would affect his ability to face trial, the Foreign Minister says.
No sign of distress in Hicks, says Downer
Sydney Morning Herald - Wed, 17 Jan 23:51:10 2007
DAVID HICKS shows no sign of mental distress that would affect his ability to face trial, the Foreign Affairs Minister, Alexander Downer, has said.
Government urged to protest over Hicks
The Australian - Fri, 19 Jan 13:17:59 2007
The US Defence Department today released a manual that revamps regulations for its US military commissions set to try Hicks and other Guantanamo Bay detainees.
War homepage
The New Zealand Herald - Sat, 20 Jan 03:38:03 2007
UNITED STATES - David Hicks' lawyer has blasted new rules for trying Guantanamo Bay prisoners, saying the 31-year-old Australian terrorist suspect would have no chance of a fair trial.
Government urged to protest over Hicks
The Australian - Fri, 19 Jan 13:18:29 2007
The US Defence Department today released a manual that revamps regulations for its US military commissions set to try Hicks and other Guantanamo Bay detainees.
Terrorism homepage
The New Zealand Herald - Sat, 20 Jan 03:37:52 2007
UNITED STATES - David Hicks' lawyer has blasted new rules for trying Guantanamo Bay prisoners, saying the 31-year-old Australian terrorist suspect would have no chance of a fair trial.
Labor asks why Hicks not tried at home
Tenterfield Star - Wed, 17 Jan 20:17:34 2007
The federal opposition has questioned how the government can say Guantanamo Bay inmate David Hicks cannot be tried in Australia if the evidence against him has not been released.
Labor asks why Hicks not tried at home
Hastings Gazette - Wed, 17 Jan 20:09:20 2007
The federal opposition has questioned how the government can say Guantanamo Bay inmate David Hicks cannot be tried in Australia if the evidence against him has not been released.
Downer can't be believed on Hicks: Father
The Australian - Thu, 18 Jan 20:48:29 2007
Terry Hicks and the federal opposition today criticised Mr Downer's comments that there was "no suggestion" the Adelaide-born terror suspect was mentally ill.
New military commissions 'flawed'
News Interactive - Fri, 19 Jan 13:26:36 2007
AUSTRALIAN terrorist suspect David Hicks faces trial by a fundamentally flawed and unfair system, the Law Council of Australia says.
Aussie detainee's lawyer blasts new rules
UPI - Fri, 19 Jan 12:04:03 2007
SYDNEY, Jan. 18 (UPI) -- The Army lawyer acting for Australian Guantanamo Bay detainee David Hicks says new rules for U.S. military trials are unfair.
Official Blasts Gitmo Inmate's Lawyers
Washington Post - Sat, 20 Jan 23:10:29 2007
NEW YORK -- Australia's foreign minister on Friday criticized lawyers representing the only Australian inmate at the U.S. military base in Guantanamo Bay for disputing his report that the man is healthy.
Guantanamo 'fails to meet' UK standards
AAP via Yahoo!7 News - Sun, 21 Jan 11:58:03 2007
The US detention centre in Guantanamo Bay in Cuba fails to meet even basic British standards for prisoners, British parliamentarians who visited the base say..
Lawyers fear Hicks may shun meeting
Port Macquarie News - Thu, 25 Jan 15:59:37 2007
David Hicks' lawyers fear they could be shunned by the Australian terror suspect at a scheduled meeting at Guantanamo Bay on Monday. Hicks' legal team will spend next week in Cuba to meet with the Adelaide-born detainee at the US military facility.
Legal team gathers around Hicks
Thursday Magnet - Thu, 25 Jan 11:49:08 2007
David Hicks' Australian lawyer is to visit the terrorist suspect at Guantanamo Bay. Adelaide-based lawyer David McLeod will join the rest of Hicks' legal team in visiting the US military prison in Cuba to confer with Hicks.
Charge Hicks by mid-Feb: Howard tells US
Hastings Gazette - Tue, 23 Jan 14:24:01 2007
Prime Minister John Howard says he has told the US government Australian terror suspect David Hicks must be formally charged by the middle of next month.
PM tells US to formally charge Hicks by next month
Northern Territory News - Tue, 23 Jan 13:30:05 2007
PRIME Minister John Howard said today he had told the US that Australian terror suspect David Hicks must be formally charged by the middle of next month.
Lawyers fear Hicks may shun meeting
Stawell Times-News - Thu, 25 Jan 15:54:06 2007
David Hicks' lawyers fear they could be shunned by the Australian terror suspect at a scheduled meeting at Guantanamo Bay on Monday. Hicks' legal team will spend next week in Cuba to meet with the Adelaide-born detainee at the US military facility.
Lawyers fear Hicks may shun meeting
Summit Sun - Thu, 25 Jan 15:49:53 2007
David Hicks' lawyers fear they could be shunned by the Australian terror suspect at a scheduled meeting at Guantanamo Bay on Monday. Hicks' legal team will spend next week in Cuba to meet with the Adelaide-born detainee at the US military facility.
Legal team gathers around Hicks
Western Advocate - Thu, 25 Jan 11:51:46 2007
David Hicks' Australian lawyer is to visit the terrorist suspect at Guantanamo Bay. Adelaide-based lawyer David McLeod will join the rest of Hicks' legal team in visiting the US military prison in Cuba to confer with Hicks.
Legal team gathers around Hicks
Merredin Wheatbelt Mercury - Thu, 25 Jan 11:51:01 2007
David Hicks' Australian lawyer is to visit the terrorist suspect at Guantanamo Bay. Adelaide-based lawyer David McLeod will join the rest of Hicks' legal team in visiting the US military prison in Cuba to confer with Hicks.
Legal team gathers around Hicks
Southern Highland News - Thu, 25 Jan 11:45:26 2007
David Hicks' Australian lawyer is to visit the terrorist suspect at Guantanamo Bay. Adelaide-based lawyer David McLeod will join the rest of Hicks' legal team in visiting the US military prison in Cuba to confer with Hicks.
Domestic news
The West Australian - Thu, 25 Jan 14:22:05 2007
David Hicks' lawyers fear they could be shunned by the Australian terror suspect at a scheduled meeting at Guantanamo Bay on Monday. Hicks' legal team will spend next week in Cuba to meet with the Adelaide-born detainee at the US military facility.
Both Hicks and Ruddock await legal challenge
Hastings Gazette - Tue, 23 Jan 09:23:30 2007
Terrorist suspect David Hicks and Attorney-General Philip Ruddock are for once in the same legal boat.
We're all to blame for Hicks: Kennett
Nyngan Observer - Mon, 22 Jan 16:17:18 2007
All Australians are to blame for terror suspect David Hicks still being held at Guantanamo Bay, former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett says. With Hicks now having spent five years imprisoned without trial, Mr Kennett said it was "unacceptable" that Australians had not rallied to bring him home.
Months before Hicks hearing
The Age - Sun, 07 Jan 01:00:50 2007
Guantanamo Bay detainee David Hicks will not have his guilt or innocence examined for at least another six months.
At least six months before Hicks is given a hearing
The Age - Sun, 07 Jan 00:19:09 2007
Guantanamo Bay detainee David Hicks will not have his guilt or innocence examined by a tribunal for at least another six months.
Both Hicks and Ruddock await legal challenge
The Star - Tue, 23 Jan 09:30:17 2007
Terrorist suspect David Hicks and Attorney-General Philip Ruddock are for once in the same legal boat.
Both Hicks and Ruddock await legal challenge
Southern Highland News - Tue, 23 Jan 09:29:00 2007
Terrorist suspect David Hicks and Attorney-General Philip Ruddock are for once in the same legal boat.
We're all to blame for Hicks: Kennett
Merredin Wheatbelt Mercury - Mon, 22 Jan 16:24:10 2007
All Australians are to blame for terror suspect David Hicks still being held at Guantanamo Bay, former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett says. With Hicks now having spent five years imprisoned without trial, Mr Kennett said it was "unacceptable" that Australians had not rallied to bring him home.
We're all to blame for Hicks: Kennett
Whyalla News - Mon, 22 Jan 16:12:45 2007
All Australians are to blame for terror suspect David Hicks still being held at Guantanamo Bay, former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett says. With Hicks now having spent five years imprisoned without trial, Mr Kennett said it was "unacceptable" that Australians had not rallied to bring him home.
We're all to blame for Hicks: Kennett
Queanbeyan Age - Mon, 22 Jan 16:20:50 2007
All Australians are to blame for terror suspect David Hicks still being held at Guantanamo Bay, former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett says. With Hicks now having spent five years imprisoned without trial, Mr Kennett said it was "unacceptable" that Australians had not rallied to bring him home.
We're all to blame for Hicks: Kennett
Summit Sun - Mon, 22 Jan 16:14:40 2007
All Australians are to blame for terror suspect David Hicks still being held at Guantanamo Bay, former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett says. With Hicks now having spent five years imprisoned without trial, Mr Kennett said it was "unacceptable" that Australians had not rallied to bring him home.
Both Hicks and Ruddock await legal challenge
Southern Highland News - Tue, 23 Jan 09:29:00 2007
Terrorist suspect David Hicks and Attorney-General Philip Ruddock are for once in the same legal boat.
We're all to blame for Hicks: Kennett
Nyngan Observer - Mon, 22 Jan 16:17:18 2007
All Australians are to blame for terror suspect David Hicks still being held at Guantanamo Bay, former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett says. With Hicks now having spent five years imprisoned without trial, Mr Kennett said it was "unacceptable" that Australians had not rallied to bring him home.
Hicks could face reduced charges
Nyngan Observer - Mon, 22 Jan 06:18:35 2007
Australian officials believe the charges against terror suspect David Hicks may be downgraded by US prosecutors. The 31-year-old Adelaide father of two has been detained at Guantanamo Bay military prison since January 2002, a month after he was captured with the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Months before Hicks hearing
The Age - Sun, 07 Jan 01:00:50 2007
Guantanamo Bay detainee David Hicks will not have his guilt or innocence examined for at least another six months.
At least six months before Hicks is given a hearing
The Age - Sun, 07 Jan 00:19:09 2007
Guantanamo Bay detainee David Hicks will not have his guilt or innocence examined by a tribunal for at least another six months.
We're all to blame for Hicks: Kennett
Merredin Wheatbelt Mercury - Mon, 22 Jan 16:24:10 2007
All Australians are to blame for terror suspect David Hicks still being held at Guantanamo Bay, former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett says. With Hicks now having spent five years imprisoned without trial, Mr Kennett said it was "unacceptable" that Australians had not rallied to bring him home.
We're all to blame for Hicks: Kennett
Whyalla News - Mon, 22 Jan 16:12:45 2007
All Australians are to blame for terror suspect David Hicks still being held at Guantanamo Bay, former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett says. With Hicks now having spent five years imprisoned without trial, Mr Kennett said it was "unacceptable" that Australians had not rallied to bring him home.
We're all to blame for Hicks: Kennett
Queanbeyan Age - Mon, 22 Jan 16:20:50 2007
All Australians are to blame for terror suspect David Hicks still being held at Guantanamo Bay, former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett says. With Hicks now having spent five years imprisoned without trial, Mr Kennett said it was "unacceptable" that Australians had not rallied to bring him home.
We're all to blame for Hicks: Kennett
Summit Sun - Mon, 22 Jan 16:14:40 2007
All Australians are to blame for terror suspect David Hicks still being held at Guantanamo Bay, former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett says. With Hicks now having spent five years imprisoned without trial, Mr Kennett said it was "unacceptable" that Australians had not rallied to bring him home.
We're all to blame for Hicks: Kennett
Stawell Times-News - Mon, 22 Jan 16:12:48 2007
All Australians are to blame for terror suspect David Hicks still being held at Guantanamo Bay, former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett says. With Hicks now having spent five years imprisoned without trial, Mr Kennett said it was "unacceptable" that Australians had not rallied to bring him home.
Charge Hicks by mid-Feb: Howard tells US
Stawell Times-News - Tue, 23 Jan 14:28:40 2007
Prime Minister John Howard says he has told the US government Australian terror suspect David Hicks must be formally charged by the middle of next month.
Both Hicks and Ruddock await legal challenge
Hastings Gazette - Tue, 23 Jan 09:23:30 2007
Terrorist suspect David Hicks and Attorney-General Philip Ruddock are for once in the same legal boat.
We're all to blame for Hicks: Kennett
Nyngan Observer - Mon, 22 Jan 16:17:18 2007
All Australians are to blame for terror suspect David Hicks still being held at Guantanamo Bay, former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett says. With Hicks now having spent five years imprisoned without trial, Mr Kennett said it was "unacceptable" that Australians had not rallied to bring him home.
Months before Hicks hearing
The Age - Sun, 07 Jan 01:00:50 2007
Guantanamo Bay detainee David Hicks will not have his guilt or innocence examined for at least another six months.
Charge Hicks by mid-Feb: Howard tells US
Port Macquarie News - Tue, 23 Jan 14:28:39 2007
Prime Minister John Howard says he has told the US government Australian terror suspect David Hicks must be formally charged by the middle of next month.
Both Hicks and Ruddock await legal challenge
The Star - Tue, 23 Jan 09:30:17 2007
Terrorist suspect David Hicks and Attorney-General Philip Ruddock are for once in the same legal boat.
Both Hicks and Ruddock await legal challenge
Southern Highland News - Tue, 23 Jan 09:29:00 2007
Terrorist suspect David Hicks and Attorney-General Philip Ruddock are for once in the same legal boat.
We're all to blame for Hicks: Kennett
Merredin Wheatbelt Mercury - Mon, 22 Jan 16:24:10 2007
All Australians are to blame for terror suspect David Hicks still being held at Guantanamo Bay, former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett says. With Hicks now having spent five years imprisoned without trial, Mr Kennett said it was "unacceptable" that Australians had not rallied to bring him home.

The challenges of defending
women's rights in Afghanistan
Women human rights defenders in Afghanistan are caught between a
near-total lack of personal security, resurgent Taleban attacks and
killingsresulting from military action.

Enough is Enough
Mr Bush and Mr Howard

- bring David Hicks home by Get Up Tuesday July 04, 2006 at 11:06 AM

Enough is enough Mr Bush and Mr Howard!

No more waiting for a decision to be made somewhere else.

No more excuses for supporting a system found to be unlawful.

With our government facing unprecedented pressure to find a real solution now, tell them it's time for David Hicks to come home and let justice run its course.

For four and a half years, Australian citizen David Hicks has been locked up - allegedly tortured - without trial. Now, the US Supreme Court has confirmed what the world already knew:
that David Hicks never had a hope for a fair trial because the system set up to try prisoners at Guantanamo Bay was fatally flawed from the start.

Enough is enough Mr Bush and Mr Howard!

No more waiting for a decision to be made somewhere else.

No more excuses for supporting a system found to be unlawful.

With our government facing unprecedented pressure to find a real solution now, tell them it's time for David Hicks to come home and let justice run its course.

http://www.getup.org.au/campaign/DefendAustralianRights

Ruddock To Meet Terry Hicks
09/11/2006 The father of David Hicks father says he is pleased Federal Attorney-General Philip Ruddock has agreed to meet him for the first time. Terry Hicks says he hopes his meeting next week will help change the Federal Government's attitude to his son's detention at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. Terry Hicks says the prospect of seeing his son returned to Australia to face a trial seems very unlikely. "We know what the Government has been saying about David for four-and-a-half years," he said. "Now after four-and-a-half years it's going to be pretty hard to change their views on it, unless there's a turnaround, you know after this discussion, then it may help David. "There are things that we've got to talk about so it will be an interesting meeting."
SOURCE: ABC.net.au

Hicks' portrait bids top $1000
November 10, 2006 02:45pm
PORTRAIT of Terry Hicks, father of Australian terror suspect David Hicks, has attracted a $1000 bid at auction raising funds to help bring the US detainee home. Sydney artist Diarne Wiercinski listed the 40cm oil on canvas portrait for sale on eBay earlier this month. With the auction set to close today the painting had attracted 26 bids and had reached $1025. Ms Wiercinski said her painting was not a political statement. "My painting is about a father who has been stoically standing by his son for the past five years and whose pain and suffering in these circumstances is obvious to all," she said. "That is what I wanted to capture in the portrait. "I am an artist, not a politician, but I feel sad about many aspects of the Hicks situation, as well as the way Australian society is evolving in terms of tolerance for other cultures, and just the general lack of unity across our community. "However, the main objective of this exercise is just to bring a little more sunshine into Terry Hicks' life." Terry Hicks has been campaigning for the release of his son, who has been held in US custody since late 2001 when he was captured in Afghanistan. He pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted murder, aiding the enemy and onspiracy, and was to appear before a US military commission. But the charges were struck out when the US Supreme Court in June ruled it was unlawful for the commission to try Hicks and other Guantanamo Bay detainees. US President George W. Bush has since signed off on controversial new legislation allowing revamped military commissions to proceed.

How long can Terry Hicks keep going?

Terry Hicks is greeted by wife Bev and family and friends at Adelaide Airport on Thursday after returning from the United States. A stunt inside a Guantanamo Bay-sized cage on a New York pavement last week was not without risk of a public backlash and Terry Hicks, father of captured suspected terrorist David Hicks, was nervous. Mr Hicks, 58, who returned to Adelaide on Thursday from a three-week odyssey retracing the steps of his son through Pakistan and Afghanistan, knew the strength of United States feeling about September 11, and his protest was not far from ground zero. But he was convinced international publicity from a similar caged protest this year outside a Liberal Party convention attended by Prime Minister John Howard made the risk worth it. "I was a bit worried that someone was going to chuck a stone or something," Mr Hicks said in Adelaide. "Everyone was there, the American press took it up and we had a lot of approaches from the public. It was all positive, absolutely positive." Since late 2001 when a friend alerted him that his son had been captured fighting with the Taliban against the Northern Alliance in Afghanistan, Terry Hicks has been on a steep learning curve. In at times brazen protests that began by confronting Mr Howard on talkback radio, Mr Hicks has shown an ability to make himself heard. advertisement advertisement His crowning achievement this time was an interview about the poor treatment of his son with the Arab al-Jazeera network, used by Osama bin Laden to broadcast his messages to the world. The strength of US feeling against al-Jazeera is such that giving an interview to them that is critical of your government is a public relations exercise akin to treason. Mr Hicks told them the Australian Government had let British Prime Minister Tony Blair do all the work extracting better conditions for the six enemy combatants eligible for US military trial - two of them Britons, another of them David Hicks - and had let his son down. "I said John Howard has no spine," Mr Hicks said. "They broadcast it in fluent Arabic, with an instant translation; it was great." One of the family's Adelaide lawyers, Franco Camatta, said Mr Hicks was remarkable in the way he grew into the role of campaigner, not claiming David's innocence, only his right to legal representation and a fair trial. Mr Hicks was naturally bewildered at the start, being raided by ASIO and the Australian Federal Police. 'Everyone was there, the American press took it up and we had a lot of approaches from the public. It was all positive, absolutely positive.' "We had never had anything like that before, with the phone ringing non-stop, having the press landing like that," David's stepmother, Bev Hicks, said. "It was very hard, but Terry takes everything in his stride and he glosses it over with a sense of humour." Mr Hicks, a printer with a local transport company, has to ask for time off for news conferences and used his leave for his latest trip. His early understanding of the world his son was getting into was so limited that when David rang to say he had joined the KLA (Kosovo Liberation Army), he thought it was an airline. "He is just remarkable in the way he has been able to hold himself together and come to grips with the issues," Mr Camatta said. "He is an absolutely ordinary bloke who has taken it upon himself to try and understand what has happened to his son." Mr Hicks's public profile last year captured the attention of Sydney documentary maker Curtis Levy, who applied for and received federal funding - reportedly $285,000 - to make a documentary. The money, chiefly from SBS and the Australian Film Commission, has funded Levy's trip through Afghanistan, Pakistan and Guantanamo Bay. "It's about Terry's journey to find out what happened to his son," Levy said. "I think David was someone who just wasn't aware of the bigger picture, of the politics of the situation." Mr Hicks says his part of the trip through Pakistan and Afghanistan, where he met Johnny Mahommed, an Afghani Guantanamo Bay detainee who was in the cell next to David, was paid for by private sponsors. Terry Hicks says he now believes David, a Muslim convert who asked to be called Dawood, was not a member of al-Qaeda but trained with them, as did all Taliban fighters who underwent military training. Photo: AFP Terry Hicks, left, in a cage similar to the one used to hold his son David, right, in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. In Afghanistan Mr Hicks spoke to the arresting officer at Pul-e-Khumri, a garrison 237 kilometres north of Kabul where David was stopped at a checkpoint in December 2001. The officer told him David should not have been handed over to the Americans because he had done nothing wrong and there was nothing to indicate he was not there as a tourist or a journalist. Mr Hicks asked the key question - whether David had ever fired on Australian or US troops - but was told none had been in the area. "There were no Americans, no foreign troops there at all; only the Northern Alliance," Mr Hicks said. Bev Hicks is not sure how long her husband can keep up the campaign without getting answers. Even the letters from David, who turns 28 next week, have dried up since Red Cross cut down its visits to Guantanamo Bay. "But Terry is an amazing gentleman," she says. "He doesn't go into it, he keeps it to himself, and I think that's his way of coping. David is a bit like that. He's similar to his dad in many ways."

Terry Hicks: They want my son found guilty
Leslie Richmond 3 November 2006
Terry Hicks, the father of Guantanamo Bay detainee David Hicks, spoke to Green Left Weekly's Leslie Richmond about the implications of the new US Military Commission Act. Hicks argues that the new commissions are worse than the previous process for Guantanamo prisoners. "They run along the same lines as before, except they've taken out the writ of habeas corpus. And they can still use evidence that's taken under torture ... [Australian Attorney-General Philip] Ruddock said that sleep deprivation doesn't come under torture, so that's one way that they can still torture people and gain `useful', as they call it, information." Ruddock and PM John Howard are cooperating in this rewriting of what constitutes torture, Hicks said. "They've been with the American government right from the start, four or five years ago, and they won't take their blinkers off. All the other countries could see the writing on the wall, that this commission system's not set up to be fair. The English had [their citizens] taken out, the Swedish had theirs taken back home - but not the Australian government." "Mr Ruddock and [foreign minister Alexander] Downer and Mr Howard all come out with the same statement: they have sufficient evidence against David to try him through the commissions. What they don't tell the public is they have sufficient evidence that's been taken under torture. A human being can only take so much before he will give them the information they want to hear. "This is not permissible in a normal court of law. This is one of the reasons that Mr Ruddock and Mr Downer both, and Mr Howard, are all pressing for the commissions to go ahead as quickly as possible." This is despite most of the law societies around the world condemning these commissions, he added. Hicks believes that the defence team will appeal against the commission process and, "unfortunately, David's the one who's going to suffer because it could be two years, two-and-a-half years, before the case is heard. "If David was brought back to face an Australian court, under Australian law he has done nothing wrong and they would have to release him. The Australian government wants him tried and found guilty, and the only way they can do that is by putting him through a kangaroo court system, like the commissions, where everything's geared against these people who've got to face them." Hicks emphasised: "Regardless of whether David's my son or not ... I can't understand why the Australian government can't bring him back and put him under the monitoring system. He's not going to do anything, and after five years [in Guantanamo] he's not going to be too well to travel around anyway." "The Australian government have got a lot to face up to", he concluded.

ISSUES Terry Hicks:
'Howard has heart of stone' 17 November 1993 Mel Hughes, Adelaide Prime Minister John Howard “has a heart of stone”, Terry Hicks, father of David Hicks, told Green Left Weekly on July 15, the day international protests were held against the Australian citizen’s continued detention at the US naval base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Howard “doesn't want to bring David home because he knows he'd have to be released”, said his father. David Hicks has been held by the US military for more than four years without trial as an “enemy combatant” after being detained by Northern Alliance forces in Afghanistan in late 2001 and then sold to the US military. Howard has publicly acknowledged that at the time Hicks was detained he had not broken any Australian law and therefore cannot be charged and tried in Australia. The government has done nothing to seek his release or to protect Hicks’ legal rights. The 31-year-old Australian was charged with attempted murder, aiding the enemy and conspiracy in August 2004 by the US military, under a special military commission tribunal system set up by US President George Bush. Despite more than two years of brutal physical and psychological pressure, Hicks pleaded not guilty to these frame-up charges. Bush has faced criticism at home and abroad for the indefinite detention of detainees at its Guantanamo Bay prison. In late June, however, the US Supreme Court ruled that his military commission process violated both US and international law, including the Geneva Conventions on the treatment of prisoners of war. Howard, who had previously declared his support for Bush’s “kangaroo court” military commission process, immediately reacted to the US Supreme Court’s ruling by urging Bush not to release Hicks and instead to create a new mechanism to try him. Terry Hicks told GLW that the Guantanamo Bay prison authorities “have shut everyone's mail off since the suicides” of three detainees on June 30 (described by Australian foreign minister Alexander Downer as a “PR stunt”). “The temperature is often turned up, and sometimes David is sleeping on nothing but an inch-thick mattress”, his father remarked, when asked about his son’s prison conditions. “I spoke with him a fortnight ago, and psychologically he's not coping, especially since the suicides, he's not been treated well.” Terry Hicks also described the one face-to-face encounter he had two years ago with his son, who was “shackled to the floor” throughout the duration of the visit. “It's alright for his parents to see him that way, but when he was led into court before the media he wasn't even handcuffed. They don't want people to know what's really going on.” Terry Hicks is very angry at the Australian government's failure to ensure his son’s legal rights are respected. “There is no evidence to support Howard's assertion that David's admitted to training with al Qaeda, and it was 19 months before he even got to see Major [Michael] Mori”, his US military lawyer. “In that time, David was interrogated at will in a six-by-eight-foot cell, with no contact with the outside world, and no counsel. It doesn't matter what David's done or hasn't done — as a prisoner, he has fundamental rights that are being ignored.” From Green Left Weekly, July 26, 2006.
Terry Hicks seeks meeting with Bono 4:34 PM November 9
The lead singer of the Irish rock band U2 has been invited to meet the father of Guantanamo Bay detainee David Hicks when the band visits Adelaide next week as part of its world tour. Bono told a Brisbane concert audience on Tuesday night that Hicks should be sent home to face a fair trial. Terry Hicks says the support for his son is gratifying and he hopes to meet the international rock star to thank him. "I spoke with the promotions people to pass on a message of thanks and just intimating that when he comes to Adelaide that maybe we could - either I contact him or he contacts me, whichever way - just to have a bit of a talk and so I could personally thank him," Mr Hicks said. Mr Hicks says he does not expect the departure of US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld will help his son's plight. He says he does not think there will be any significant changes to the detention camp or military commission process under a new defence secretary. "President Bush was pretty smart and astute with what he did as far as Congress goes with the commissions, he was pretty smart about it," he said. "With Rumsfeld going, I don't think anything will change immediately. Down the track it may." Source: ABC

USA: Who are the Guantnamo detainees?
Case Sheet 5
Australian detainees: David Hicks and Mamdouh Habib

"David Hicks has been treated in a manner which I consider to be abusive, a serious violation of his human rights, and which constitutes a criminal offence in international law" – Stephen Kenny, David Hicks’ civilian lawyer

Full Name: David Hicks
Nationality: Australian
Age: 29
Family status: Single, two children aged 6 and 7 years old.
Occupation: Horse Trainer
Information: David Hicks, a former horse trainer/cowboy from Adelaide, South Australia, converted to Islam after volunteering to fight for the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) in Kosovo. After his return to Australia, according to his father, he decided to go abroad to further his studies on the Islamic faith and learn ancient Arabic. To this end he travelled to Pakistan to study in a Madrassa, an Islamic school.
Following the 11 September 2001 attacks in New York, he telephoned his father from Kandahar, Afghanistan to tell him that he was going to Kabul to defend it from the Northern Alliance for the Taliban. He was captured on the 9 December 2001 near Kunduz in Afghanistan by the Northern Alliance. There were allegations of abuse at the hands of his Afghan captors.
The Northern Alliance handed him over to US authorities, and after being interrogated by US and Australian authorities aboard the USS Peleliu, he was transported to Guantánamo Bay naval base, Cuba in January 2002.
In 2002, David Hicks made a report to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) that he had been abused by US officials at the camp. Though restricted in the details he was allowed to give, Stephen Kenny, his civilian lawyer said that this report referred to "specific incidences that I believe were not just the actions of individual guards, but rather actions that must have been authorised by some reasonably high up people in the chain of command of the US forces"

"We had a few letters and there have been some messages via Major Mori [Davids Hicks’ US Army appointed lawyer], but that’s it" - Terry Hicks, David Hicks’ father.

After his transferal to Guantánamo, he was held in incommunicado detention for long periods, only occasional letters to his family were allowed, and he was not able to speak to his lawyer until 12 December 2003, almost two years after he arrived at Guantánamo Bay. During this time he was transferred from Camp Delta to Camp Echo where, according to his father, "he is completely isolated. The cells are painted white and they don’t see anyone". 29 June 2004 was only the second time he was allowed to have a conversation with his family via telephone.
David Hicks was one of the first Guantánamo detainees to be charged, and has been assigned a lawyer by the US military. He has been charged with conspiracy to commit war crimes, attempted murder by an underpriviliged belligerent and aiding the enemy. A preliminary hearing before a military commission was held on 25 August and his trial has been set for 10 January 2005.

Full Name: Mamdouh Habib
Nationality: Australian
Age: 48
Family status: Married with four children
Occupation: Businessman - Cleaning company and security company.
Information: Mamdouh Habib immigrated to Australia in 1980. He married Lebanese born Maha Habib, and the couple have four children, Ahmed (19), Mustafa (16), Maryam (11) and Hager (4). The family lived in Sydney where Mamdouh set up and ran a contract cleaning firm and a security company.
On the 29 July 2001 he left to go to Pakistan on a three month visa. According to Maha Habib he "went searching for opportunities to set up a business to support the family and a suitable school to teach our children". He had recently been the victim of a "group beating" and felt he and his family had to leave Australia.

"I’ve been in too many places - I never know where I am... I’ve been blindfolded for eight months, I never see the sun but I see you and [the] kids every minute" Mamdouh Habib, letter to his wife

Mamdouh Habib was arrested in Pakistan on 5 October 2001, while on a bus to Karachi. Arrested alongside Mamdouh were two Germans with whom he had eaten the previous evening. They were released shortly afterward, following diplomatic pressure by the German Government.
In contrast, Mamdouh Habib was detained in Quetta and Islamabad, before being transferred, incommunicado, to Egypt. He later claimed that he met with Australian consular officials who refused to act on his behalf, and that the Australian high commission in Pakistan authorised his transfer to Egypt.
Stephen Hopper, his civilian lawyer, claims that in Egypt he was blindfolded for months on end, that he "was beaten up, electrocuted, injected with unknown drugs, tortured" and that dogs were set upon him. From Egypt, Mamdouh was transported to Afghanistan, and from there to Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, where he has remained, detained without charge and with no access to a lawyer, for over two years.

"He thinks we’re dead, he thinks we’re dead...God knows what they have done to him" - Maha Habib

Arriving in Guantánamo Bay, Mamdouh Habib was reportedly too weak to walk after his ordeal in Egypt. The military police at the camp reportedly believed he was faking his condition and placed him in solitary confinement.
Mamdouh described his condition in Guantánamo as ‘torture’ to Australian intelligence officials who visited him. Tarek Dergoul, a UK national detained at Guantánamo and released on 9 March 2004, has told of psychological and physical abuse of Mamdouh Habib by US officials at the prison camp.
Dergoul states that Mamdouh "kept repeating to himself ‘They [US agents] have killed my family’", and that American officials had shown him pictures of his family and told him they had been killed. "Any letters he [Mamdouh] received" continued Dergoul "he thought were fakes".
Dergoul, who for three months occupied the cell adjacent to Mamdouh, also told of physical abuse. He says he "saw five people go into his prison cell, spray Mr Habib with mace, use their hands and fists to kick and punch him and then drag him out, from the chains that were around his feet...out of the cell and down the corridor". Reports suggest that Mamdouh’s mental and physical health is deteriorating rapidly.
Maha Habib travelled to the UK to meet the freed al-Qa’ida suspects; "when I was listening to the detainees speak, the things that I heard, I felt I couldn’t take any more" she said.
John Howard, the Australian Prime Minister, in response to the allegations of abuse of Mamdouh said "Well, they are coming from a Taliban supporter". Stephen Hopper has stated that this assertion from the Prime Minister lacks any substance as Dergoul was released by the US military after being cleared of any wrongdoing including association with al-Qa’da or the Taliban.
Background
David Hicks and Mamdouh Habib are the only two Australian nationals detained at Guantánamo Bay.
AI is particularly concerned over the nature of the arrest, detention, transferral and allegations of torture of Mamdouh Habib. AI is also concerned with the allegations of abuse and mistreatment of David Hicks.
On 25 November 2003 both the US and Australian governments issued news releases announcing that they had reached agreement that any trials by military commission of Australian detainees would be fair. The Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Attorney General said that their government had "reached an understanding with the US concerning procedures which would apply to possible military commission trials of the two Australian nationals…". This included an agreement not to seek the death penalty against them.
The military commissions do not meet internationally recognized standards for fair trial. Beset by fundamental flaws, any trial before these military commissions would be a travesty of justice. In making such an agreement with the US authorities, AI believes that the Australian government has betrayed their two nationals held at Guantánamo Bay. They should be using their influence with their US counterparts to ensure compliance with, not make compromises on, international fair trial and detention standards.
AI renews its call on the Australian government to ensure that David Hicks and Mamdouh Habib receive a full and fair trial or be released. AI also calls on the Australian government to support AI’s call for an independent inquiry to be set up to investigate the treatment of prisoners held by the US as part of the "war on terror".
Guantnamo Bay - A Human Rights Scandal
Hundreds of people of around 40 different nationalities remain held without charge or trial at the US Naval Base in Guantnamo Bay in Cuba, without access to any court, legal counsel or family visits. Denied their rights under international law and held in conditions which may amount to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, the detainees face severe psychological distress. There have been numerous suicide attempts.
Many of those held were captured during the international conflict in Afghanistan, from where transfers to the Naval Base began in January 2002 under harsh conditions of transportation. Others were arrested elsewhere and handed over to the US authorities. Sporadic transfers to, and releases from, the base continue, but the precise numbers, identities and nationalities of those held has never been made public.
None of the detainees have been granted prisoner of war status or brought before a "competent tribunal" to determine his status, as required by Article 5 of the Third Geneva Convention.
The majority are held in maximum security blocks in small cells, sometimes for up to 24 hours a day and with very little out-of-cell exercise time. Many have been subjected to repeated interrogations sometimes for hours at a time and without the presence of a lawyer, raising fears that statements may be extracted under coercion. The ICRC is the only international organization allowed access to the detainees.
With no opportunity to challenge the lawfulness of their detention and the prospect of indefinite detention without trial in such conditions, the potential psychological impact upon those held is a major concern. The ICRC delegation has stated that it has observed a "worrying deterioration" in the mental health of a large number of the detainees, and that their psychological condition has become a "major problem".

In November 2001, President Bush signed a Military Order establishing trials by military commission which have the power to hand down death sentences and against whose decisions there will be no right of appeal to any court. In addition to the lack of right to appeal, the commissions will lack independence and will restrict the right of defendants to choose their own counsel and to an effective defence. The commissions will also accept a lower standard of evidence than in ordinary courts. This could include evidence extracted under torture or coercion.
On the 28 June 2004 the United States Supreme Court ruled that US courts have jurisdiction to consider challenges to the lawfulness of detentions at Guantánamo bay. In response the Bush administration announced the formation of the Combatant Status Review Tribunal scheme under which Guantánamo detainees will be able to challenge their so-called "enemy combatant" status. They will not be provided with a lawyer. Instead of doing all it can to facilitate the full judicial review of the lawfulness of the detentions at Guantánamo bay, the government appears to be trying to narrow the scope of this review and at the same time proceed with its plans to hold trials by military commission that flout basic standards.
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL DEMANDS THAT

The US government end the legallimbo of all detainees
All those held are charged and given fair trials or released
The military order allowing for trial by military commission be revoked
All those detained are granted full access to lawyers and families
All are treated humanely and granted access to their rights including being fully informed of their right to a lawyer and to challenge their detention in US courts
Their families are kept informed of their legal status and well-being
There be an immediate improvement in conditions of detention for those held at Camp Echo
An independent Commission of Inquiry be set up by congress into "war on terror" detentions
IF YOU WISH TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION ON BEHALF OF THE GUANTANAMO DETAINEES, PLEASE CONTACT THE AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL OFFICE IN YOUR COUNTRY. VISIT THE FOLLOWING WEB ADDRESS TO FIND OUT HOW:
http://web.amnesty.org/contacts/engindex
Violation of fundamental legal rights

New revelations about Guantanamo Bay prisoners

By Richard Phillips 3 January 2003

A recent story in the Los Angeles Times reports that at least 10 percent of the 625 war prisoners captured in Afghanistan and now held at the notorious US naval base prison in Guantanamo Bay have “no meaningful connection” with the Taliban or Al Qaeda. Citing military sources, the December 22 article revealed that a group of US army officers in Afghanistan last year called for scores of detainees not to be sent to Guantanamo Bay. Senior US military commanders in Afghanistan, Kuwait and America, however, ignored their advice. The article also reported that Maj. Gen. Michael E. Dunleavy, operational commander at Guantanamo Bay until October, visited Afghanistan last year complaining that there were “too many ‘Mickey Mouse’ detainees” being sent to the naval base. According to the newspaper, army officers who were frustrated that their recommendations were being ignored decided to circulate a list of 49 Afghans and 10 Pakistani prisoners they wanted released or repatriated. The list included street vendors, taxi drivers, farmers and several men suffering severe mental health problems. While no names were provided, many of the men were kidnapped by bounty-hunting Pakistani soldiers near the Afghan border. One young detainee was captured in a border town where he had lived and worked for 20 years. He had no connection with the Al Qaeda or the Taliban. The article also said that many Afghans now in Guantanamo Bay were forcibly conscripted into the Taliban army because they could not afford the bribes demanded to avoid military service. One example cited was of a 30-year-old farmer who was picked up by Northern Alliance forces because they were “interested in stealing his car and money”. The Times quoted from the case file of a 22-year-old Afghan who sold firewood at a bus station in Kunduz. According to interrogators: “He answers all questions quickly and fully.... His story is plausible and consistent and there is no evidence that he has worked for or had any knowledge of the Taliban or Al Qaeda.” In another instance, interrogators described a 33-year-old taxi driver from Pakistan captured by Northern Alliance forces near Mazar-i-Sharif as a “low-level fighter with no tactical intelligence. Recommend repatriation.” January 15 will mark one year since the Bush administration began jailing war prisoners in Guantanamo Bay. In this 12-month period only five detainees have been released—one in April, who was mentally ill, and four others in October, including two elderly men. One of the old men had no teeth and required a cane to walk. Another, Faiz Mohammed, told the media that he was over 100 years old. He said US and Afghan troops captured him in late 2001 when he was visiting a local village in his native Oruzgun province, ignoring his protests that he had nothing to do with Al Qaeda or the Taliban. Violation of fundamental legal rights While the Los Angeles Times referred to only 59 of the hundreds imprisoned in Guantanamo Bay, it failed to mention that the detainees, most of whom are in their early 20s, are being held without charge and in contravention of their democratic and legal rights. The prisoners have been deemed “unlawful combatants” by the US authorities in order to deny them official prisoner-of-war status and the most rudimentary human rights. They have no access to their families or lawyers and the US government has given no indication when or if the prisoners, some of whom are only 16 years of age, will ever be charged or brought to trial. Under their current status, the prisoners can be held as long as the US government decrees. Supported by the US judiciary, the Bush administration has thumbed its nose at criticism from the International Red Cross and Amnesty International. These and other human rights organisations have pointed out that the detainees are being held in contravention of the Geneva Convention, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the US Constitution. In April last year, Guantanamo Bay detainees were moved from Camp X-Ray—a collection of outdoor cages—to Camp Delta, several kilometres away within the naval base. The new facility was built at a cost of $US9.7 million by Brown and Root Services, a division of Halliburton, Vice President Dick Cheney’s former company. Using low-wage contract workers from the Philippines and India, the jail was constructed from international shipping containers. Each container houses five prisoners in separate 6.8 feet by 8 feet cells, with eight containers making up a cellblock. Steel mesh replaces three sides of the containers, which are not air-conditioned, with half the cell space taken up by a metal bed welded to the wall. These cells are smaller than the death row facilities in Texas, where inmates are allowed to shower and to exercise for an hour outside the cells each day. Camp Delta prisoners, by contrast, are permitted to leave their tiny cells for only two 15-minute shower and exercise sessions per week. This means they are confined to their non air-conditioned cells in fierce tropical heat for all but 30 minutes each week, unless they are called to an interrogation session, which can happen at any time of the day or night. The so-called exercise yards consist of 25 x 18 foot cages, with prisoners only allowed to exercise alone, wearing manacles. A recent article in the Miami Herald reported that up to 10 percent of the inmates suffered mental health problems and were taking anti-depressants. The newspaper quoted from a prison guard who said some prisoners “yell all day long, calling to a spirit to take them away.” Amnesty International has described the conditions at Camp Delta as “cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment in violation of international law” and called for all interrogations to be halted until the detainees are given the opportunity to consult lawyers. These appeals, needless to say, have been brushed aside by the Bush administration while the military has announced that it plans to expand the jail to take up to 1,000 prisoners, including upwards of 80 in total isolation cells. Last July, US District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly rejected a habeas corpus writ from lawyers representing 16 detainees—12 Kuwaitis, two British, 24-year-old Safiq Rasul and 21-year-old Asif Iqbal, and two Australians, 27-year-old David Hicks and 44-year-old Mamdouh Habib. Hicks was seized by Northern Alliance forces in Afghanistan in December 2001 and handed over to the US military. He was interrogated for weeks and then flown to Guantanamo Bay. Habib, a former contract cleaner from Sydney and the father of four children, was arrested in Pakistan in October 2001 and transported to Egypt, where he was held incommunicado and interrogated for five months. He was shifted to a US military prison in Afghanistan in April and then relocated to Guantanamo Bay in early May. Rasul and Iqbal travelled to Pakistan to visit relatives just before September 11, 2001. They were kidnapped by Taliban forces and later taken into US military custody in Afghanistan. The 12 Kuwaiti detainees were involved in Kuwaiti government-endorsed charity work in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Kollar-Kotelly ruled that Guantanamo Bay naval base was not US territory and therefore not under American legal jurisdiction. She also said that the prisoners were not being deprived of due process because they had not been charged with any offence. In other words, the prisoners had no legal rights and could be held indefinitely. This ruling has been challenged and a decision on the case, which began in a US Federal Court of Appeals on December 3, is expected some time in the next two months. Prisoner’s father denounces illegal detention Terry Hicks, David Hicks’ father, recently spoke with the World Socialist Web Site, voicing his concerns over the conditions at Guantanamo Bay and denouncing Australia’s Howard government. “Every human right you can imagine is being trampled on in Guantanamo Bay and yet this is OK as far as Howard is concerned,” he said. “Bush tells the world he is conducting a ‘war on terrorism’ and yet the people they capture can’t be called prisoners of war. This is a load of crap, so they can get around the Geneva Conventions and everybody knows it. They have dozens of legal loopholes to justify their contravention of basic human rights. If they can’t find a loophole they’ll make one up. “While it’s been a difficult 12 months for us we can only guess what it’s like for David and others in Cuba. They are being treated worse than animals—a dog has more rights than these prisoners. “We’ve received nine letters altogether from David in the last year, including two just recently to my daughter. The letters are censored, of course. We’ve had the odd one where it might be a line or few words, but the last one had three lines blacked out. I tried to read it but it was impossible. “He seems all right, although the last two indicated that he was starting to feel some homesickness. He asked for photographs of some of his old fishing spots and parts of the Adelaide Hills. He wanted to stick them on the wall of his cell. He is obviously starting to feel the pressure. “I’ve just written to him and told him to stand on his feet, take a deep breath, and start again. I’m confident he’ll come through all this. Obviously he is being treated very roughly. There will be no beg-your-pardons and although David can take a bit of heavy treatment—he was in the boxing ring for a long while—it will be the mind games that will be hard. There is no such thing as darkness there. The lights are on 24 hours and there are only two 15-minute exercise periods and two showers a week. “In the last letter David said he’d been in hospital for an operation—he thought it was in October. He didn’t say what it was for, but said he’d never felt so human in all his life because he spent three days in the hospital, was able to shower regularly and they gave him a chair for three days back in his cell.” Terry Hicks said one of the most frustrating aspects of his son’s plight was the attitude of the Howard government and the Opposition Labor Party to the illegal detention of his son by the US military. “Our support group has been trying to meet with Alexander Downer [Australian Foreign Minister], but to no avail. We get fobbed off with the bureaucratic stuff all the time. I’m told I have to go through my lawyer, he keeps submitting requests to see Downer or to be able to visit David and they respond by saying the US is in charge. It has gone on and on like this all year. “I suppose the most laughable thing is when you pick up a newspaper and read about the government’s response to the two Australian girls found guilty of heroin possession in Vietnam and who now face the death penalty. Downer immediately said he would do whatever he could to get them out—he was not going to walk hand-in-hand down the path to their death. And there was another case of an Australian caught with drugs in Singapore and the Howard government said they would do whatever they could to assist him. Talk about double standards. My son has been held for a year. He has not been charged and there is no sign that he will ever be released, and yet the Australian government’s attitude is ‘to hell with him, he can stay there and rot.’” “And there is not much different from the Labor Party. You’d think that the opposition would try and apply some pressure here. Isn’t this why they are called the opposition? The problem is they agree with the government. Rodney Sawford, the Labor member in Port Adelaide, was very rude and aggressive. He just berated the ladies from the support group. It was like banging your head against a brick wall with him. “There are others who say they agree, at least when we talk to them. Yes, they disagree with what is happening and they say they’ll bring it up in parliament at the next sitting. But when it comes to the crunch they fade away. The US is holding two Australian citizens who haven’t been charged with anything. We’ve got all these so-called humanitarians in the Labor Party and the parliament, but they are too frightened to say anything.” Terry Hicks told the World Socialist Web Site that he was very encouraged by the support the family was receiving and said people were concerned, not just about what had happened to his son, but “the general situation with the US government.” “No one condones the internal situation in Iraq or Saddam Hussein,” he said, “but everyone I talk to is worried about the attitude of the American government and wonder where all this is going to lead. The issue is oil—it’s pretty obvious—and yet the Howard government follows America without any questions asked. They are hell bent on war and are not taking a scrap of notice of anyone. Someone has asked why haven’t the inspectors gone into America.
Why are they allowed to have weapons of mass destruction and no one else?”
See Also: Detainee dies during US interrogation in Afghanistan
[11 December 2002] Howard government complicit in detention of Australian citizen by US military [26 April 2002]
The CIA’s international dirty war US oversees abduction, torture, execution of alleged terrorists [20 March 2002]
Australian detainee at Guantanamo Bay abandoned by Howard government [8 February 2002]

Violation of fundamental legal rights