Bono's boys sing Hicks's praises

November 08, 2006 12:10am
Article from: AAPFont size: + -

IRISH rockers U2 have used the opening concert of their Australian tour to campaign for terrorist suspect David Hicks to be released from Guantanamo Bay.

The super group's frontman, Bono, raised the Hicks case during last night's concert at the Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre in Brisbane.

Bono, during the U2 classic Sunday Bloody Sunday, said Hicks should be released from the Guantanamo Bay detention camp in Cuba, where he has been since 2001.

“We call for David Hicks to be brought back to Australia,” he said.

The Irish rock star may have the opportunity to discuss the matter with Prime Minister John Howard.

He has already said he wants to talk to Mr Howard about boosting Australia's aid to poor countries.

He said wealthy countries should donate more of their GDP (gross domestic product) to help combat global poverty, particularly in Africa.

Mr Howard said while there had been no approach to his office for a meeting, he would be happy to accommodate the rocker.

Hicks, an Adelaide-born Muslim convert, has been detained at Guantanamo Bay naval base in Cuba since he was captured with Taliban forces in Afghanistan five years ago, but is yet to face trial.

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