Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

World Video | Defence | Foreign Affairs | Natural Events | Trade | NZ in World News | NZ National News Video | NZ Regional News | Search

 

Greens' call to Rumsfeld in Adelaide: Return David

Greens' call to Rumsfeld in Adelaide: Return David Hicks

Australian Greens Senator Christine Milne, in Adelaide on the eve of the arrival of US Secretary of Defence Donald Rumsfeld, has called for the release from Guantanamo Bay of America's Australian prisoner David Hicks.

"While Prime Minister John Howard sees the US Military Commissions as the equal of Australia's judicial system, we do not," Senator Milne said.

"David Hicks should be released to face trial in Australia. We are not the 51st state of the USA.

"Secretary Rumsfeld's visit to Australia is the ideal time for the United States to announce David Hicks' repatriation. I am appalled that our own Prime Minister, unlike leaders of the UK, Turkey, Greece, Kuwait and many other countries, still thinks David Hicks should be tried in a foreign court."

Greens lead Upper House candidate for the March 2006 state election,

Mark Parnell, said there was increasing concern about the situation of David Hicks, with questions being raised in the USA about the constitutionality of the military commissions.

"In Australia, too, we have seen in recent days a federal government backbencher calling publicly for David Hicks to be brought home," Mr

Parnell said.

"As David approaches the start of his fifth year in detention, it's time to return him to Australia."

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
World Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.