Parkin launches Federal Court Challenge : Melbourne Indymedia

Challenging the continued secrecy surrounding the
reasons for his treatment, Mr Parkin called on
Attorney-General Philip Ruddock to "play fair" by
detailing the allegations that led to his detention
and removal.

"The head of ASIO has admitted that I was not violent
and the only specific claims made against me - that I
advocated throwing marbles under horses hooves - have
been dismissed by the Inspector-General of
Intelligence Services," Mr Parkin said.

"The IGIS report acknowledged that keeping the
accusations secret was, effectively, a denial of
natural justice.

"Despite this, there has been no information released
to me, my lawyers or the public to explain how I was
treated."

Mr Parkin said that he was pursuing the Federal Court
action in an effort to clear his name and protect
others from similar treatment.

"This isn't just about me and my rights, it’s about
the right that all people have to be to know they
won’t be locked up without a reason and to know what
they are accused of if they are," he said.

"When convicts were sentenced to transportation to
Australia, at least they knew what they were accused
of and could defend their name in court. Until Mr
Ruddock tells me what I'm supposed to have done, I
don’t even have that small consolation."

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