Sunday 22nd of December 2024
Home » Blogs » John Richardson's blog

what do we call this value .....

‘Bush says: "I reserve the right as
commander-in-chief to do what I need to do to defend America." He has
given the CIA carte blanche to continue torturing, also coming up with a
"Pacific solution" argument he might have borrowed from his friend
John Howard. For the purpose of the McCain bill, Guantanamo Bay is excised from
US territory. The same applies, of course, to the vast number of "black
sites" the US has arranged for the specific purpose of torture across the
world. 

With an
Australian at Guantanamo, did the PM take up torture with Condoleezza Rice
during last week's visit? Did Kim Beazley? In Europe, she was confronted with
the torture issue by leaders, including the new leader of Germany, but I very
much doubt that happened here. And if not, why not? Our country is deeply
involved in a widening horror, and David Hicks is one of its victims.’ 

Torture
As American As Apple Pie

Solitary torture

From the ABC
Hicks in solitary confinement: lawyer
A lawyer for Australian Guantanamo Bay detainee David Hicks says he has learned that his client has had his conditions at the prison camp altered for no reason.

Joshua Dratel understands Hicks is back in solitary confinement.

Mr Dratel, a civilian lawyer, is in Adelaide to meet potential witnesses in the Australian's case and some of his client's supporters.

He says there is no legitimate reason for keeping his client under those conditions.

"They have not provided any explanation and certainly there is not any disciplinary or security interest involved," he said.

Read more at the ABC

Court rejects

From the ABC

Court rejects appeal against Hicks citizenship ruling
The High Court in London has dismissed a British government appeal against a ruling awarding British citizenship to Australian Guantanamo Bay detainee David Hicks.

Unlike Australia, Britain is opposed to the US military tribunals planned for the detainees at Guantanamo Bay and has successfully lobbied to have its citizens released from the camp.

Nine British citizens have been released from the Guantanamo Bay facility after requests from the Blair Government.

Hicks's relatives hope he will also be released.

read more at the ABC

The British Home Office can still appeal against the High Court's ruling.