Ruddock to meet Hicks's father

Your 4 years to Late, Shame on you all, Your just as guilty as the A****** in the White House.

By Lachlan Heywood
November 10, 2006 01:00am

ATTORNEY-General Philip Ruddock will meet accused terrorist David Hicks's father after Government senators yesterday backed a motion calling on the US to deal with him "expeditiously and fairly".

In a further softening of the Federal Government's hardline approach to the Guantanamo Bay detainee in Cuba, Mr Ruddock has agreed to meet Terry Hicks next week to discuss his son's future.

"I just need to speak to him, as one parent to another, and see what develops from that," Mr Hicks said. "I'm hoping it will achieve something."

The Senate passed a motion by Queensland Nationals senator Barnaby Joyce calling on the US to bring Hicks to trial quickly. The motion said Hicks was yet to be charged under the US Military Commission Act.

Senator Joyce said he was concerned that Hicks was being denied natural justice.

"When we make exceptions and place one person outside the law it sets a dangerous precedent," he said. "This is about the principle of the rule of law - it is not about the person."

An earlier motion from Australian Democrats senator Natasha Stott Despoja, calling for Hicks to be brought back to Australia, was defeated 33-31.

A growing number of federal parliamentarians is concerned about the delays in the Hicks case. Hicks has been in the military prison since his capture in 2001.

Mr Hicks said he did not think this week's Democrat win in the US mid-term elections would result in his son's return home soon.

"I have a feeling it won't, not at this point in time," he said.

"What we've got to do is shift the Australian Government's position."

Mr Hicks also wants to speak to Irish rock performer Bono after the U2 frontman referred to his son's plight during the group's Brisbane concert.

Opposition justice spokesman Joe Ludwig said Senator Joyce's motion did not match his strong rhetoric to bring Hicks home.

Prime Minister John Howard conceded earlier this year that the trial delay had "gone on too long".

Charges against Hicks of attempted murder, aiding the enemy and conspiracy were struck out in June when the US Supreme Court ruled the commission unlawful.

The commission has since been revamped.

LinkHere