Australian Parliament must reject US kangaroo courts for David Hicks : Melbourne Indymedia

Supporters and campaigners for the repatriation of David Hicks demand that the Australian Parliament seeks David’s immediate release and repatriation, and to reject the kangaroo military commission set up by the Pentagon which could see another 2-3 years of challenges in US courts.

Bring David Home campaigners are calling for a Canberra Convergence on the opening of Parliament on Tuesday 6 February at 11am on Parliament lawns.

Marlene Obeid, spokesperson for the group, said: “Alexander Downer and John Howard prefer to believe reports from ‘anonymous’ sources on the condition of David Hicks; on the legality of the Military Commissions; and on ‘weapons of mass destruction’; rather than UN, Red Cross, or independent sources.”

“What Downer does not tell us is that David Hicks has become the victim of the Howard government's slavish following of the US.

“Australians, from across the political spectrum are now demanding the release and repatriation of David Hicks and members of Parliament must do all that is necessary to redress the travesty of justice that has seen this young Australian spend five years and two months in legal limbo,” Ms Obeid added.

For more information phone Marlene Obeid on 0401 758 871 or Raul Bassi 0403 037 376

Issued by Justice for Hicks & Habib, & Bring David Home campaigns.

Come show your support for Terry and his courageous campaign to bring his sonhome.

Saturday 3 February, 7.30pm
Tibas Lebanese Restaurant, 504 Sydney Rd
$30/$25 per head for full dinner
After dinner speech by Terry.

Tickets must be purchased in advance from the New International Bookshop, Trades Hall, cnr Lygon and Victoria Sts, Carlton or phone on 9662 3744. Tables of 8 or 10 can also be purchased.

All money raised go to Terry Hick's campaign fund.

Organised by Civil Rights Defence.

Terry will also be speaking at the regular Friday night vigil on February 2nd. Help spread the word about this so we can have a huge show of support for Terry when he gets to Melbourne.

Vigil for David

Friday 2 February, 12 noon - 1pm

Department of Foreign Affairs, Casselden Place, cnr Lonsdale and Spring Sts.

Speaker: Terry Hicks

For more information, visit http://www.civilrightsdefence.org or call 0422 802984

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.

Major Michael Mori says the guidelines released by the Pentagon still do not include fundamental rights such as habeas corpus.

He has also criticised their retrospective nature.

"A law has been passed in 2006 that is being applied retroactively to someone for conduct five years ago," he said.

"That's not acceptable.

"Even the Australian ministers have said creating legislation now and applying it to David retroactively is inappropriate, and yet that's exactly what the United States is doing to David, which we would not accept for Americans."

Major Mori says he expects the guidelines to be challenged.

But he says by the time they are, Mr Hicks could have spent nine or 10 years in Guantanamo Bay without trial...

It has been revealed that allegedly the US Embassy, not a doctor, assesed the mental health of Australian Guantanamo Bay detainee David Hicks.

You may recall a comment yesterday about HREOC if you don't here it is once again for your perusal...

HREOC?
by Parrot Press Friday January 19, 2007 at 01:35 PM

Detention centres' living conditions improve, HREOC says

The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission says living conditions have improved in mainland immigration detention centres.

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Goes to show you what HREOC is good for doesn't it!

Maintaining despicable inhumane human rights for selected people who are treated like animals in a cage!

HREOC should continue to be condemned as another arm of government, which is all that it has been and is! Good for sanctioning despots!

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Seems like they took our call yesterday and today we get this from them...

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HREOC renews call to end mandatory detention

The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) has renewed its call for an end to Australia's mandatory immigration detention laws.

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However this is not because they have realised the error of their ways but more likely how stupid that previous statement was and this is imho is just another cover up and face saving exercise by the government arm to cover their mistake and not a genuine attempt to something about human rights and equal opportunities at all.

So don't take the bait so easily.

By the way what did they do for David Hicks lately????? 5 years aye?