Guantanamo: Aust. Govt votes down Hicks motion

Government votes down Hicks motion in Senate

Labor today joined the Greens and Democrats to support Greens Leader Bob Brown's motion calling on the government to close Guantanamo Bay and ensure that Australian David Hicks receives a fair trial. The motion was rejected 34 Noes, 28 Ayes.

"The Howard government has left David Hicks, an Australian citizen, to rot in Guantanamo Bay for four years. No other government in the world has abandoned its citizens to this illegal system. John Howard alone remains subservient to the Bush administration in this matter," Senator Brown said.

"In the wake of the suicides of three inmates and reports of torture at the camp, John Howard and Phillip Ruddock remain unmoved."

"Guantanamo Bay is anathema to rule of law. It should be closed immediately," Senator Brown said.

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