12 December 2006
CALLS FOR JUSTICE FOR DAVID HICKS GROW LOUDER
Thousands of Australians rallied on Dec 9th, the fifth anniversary of David Hicks’ apprehension by the Northern Alliance in Afghanistan, demanding his immediate return to Australia.
Hicks, who has not been found guilty of any offence, and who is currently is not facing any charges, continues to be held in solitary confinement in Guantanamo Bay in conditions that fall far below the standards afforded to even those convicted of the most heinous of crimes in our own country.
There is no immediate prospect of his being brought before the military commission that will be set up to hear his case, and in any case, the proposed process has been almost universally condemned by the legal profession as a violation of the basic right of every person to receive a fair trial.
The treatment of David Hicks was also again condemned by the Australian Bishops in a statement issued following their most recent Conference. In their press release the Bishops acknowledged the growing concern for Hick’s physical and mental health, and noted the conditions in which he is held which "reputable human rights agencies have said are tantamount to torture".
Calling for the Australian citizen to be given a prompt and just trial or returned to Australia, the Bishops stated that "a continuation of the current situation is not acceptable."
Readers of this bulletin can support the call for justice for David Hicks by signing the online letter to the Prime Minister or by supporting other actions described on the Amnesty or the Get Up websites.
As with so many issues raised in this bulletin, change is only likely when enough people demand it of our political leaders.
The photograph below is of members of 'Seeds of Change' - the action group which arose in part from readers of this bulletin - participating in the Melbourne rally.
Hicks, who has not been found guilty of any offence, and who is currently is not facing any charges, continues to be held in solitary confinement in Guantanamo Bay in conditions that fall far below the standards afforded to even those convicted of the most heinous of crimes in our own country.
There is no immediate prospect of his being brought before the military commission that will be set up to hear his case, and in any case, the proposed process has been almost universally condemned by the legal profession as a violation of the basic right of every person to receive a fair trial.
The treatment of David Hicks was also again condemned by the Australian Bishops in a statement issued following their most recent Conference. In their press release the Bishops acknowledged the growing concern for Hick’s physical and mental health, and noted the conditions in which he is held which "reputable human rights agencies have said are tantamount to torture".
Calling for the Australian citizen to be given a prompt and just trial or returned to Australia, the Bishops stated that "a continuation of the current situation is not acceptable."
Readers of this bulletin can support the call for justice for David Hicks by signing the online letter to the Prime Minister or by supporting other actions described on the Amnesty or the Get Up websites.
As with so many issues raised in this bulletin, change is only likely when enough people demand it of our political leaders.
The photograph below is of members of 'Seeds of Change' - the action group which arose in part from readers of this bulletin - participating in the Melbourne rally.
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