This Aussie Needs Fair Go

Illawarra Mercury

Monday July 14, 2003

IF it were any country other than America holding people indefinitely without trial and facing the possibility of execution, our government would be screaming the rafters down. So why are they doing nothing about David Hicks' situation?

How does he stand a chance when senior government ministers are labelling him a terrorist before the trial? Ours and indeed any civilised country has a presumption of innocence and statements like these would abort a trial here. They did not want to bring him back here for trial because he had broken no Australian law, so how can they be part of this sham?

If he was fighting for the Taliban, he was fighting in the army of the government of Afghanistan when it was ``invaded" by the US and its allies. Where is the crime in that?

If he was in al Qaeda, did he commit any terrorist acts?

It appears that in George W Bush and John Howard's world democracy, truth and justice apply only to those who hold the same views they do.

America's prolonged interference in world politics must stop. Last time I checked God hadn't given up his position as ruler of creation, so Mr Bush, why are you launching a takeover bid?

-BRUCE TOWERS,

Gwynneville.