We welcome the decision by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) not to apply for an extension to the control order on former Guantanamo Bay inmate David Hicks.

David Hicks said publicly on 20 November 2008 that a court-imposed control order – which was due to expire on 21 December – was infringing on his ability to live a normal life. He expressed concern that the order, which was obtained by the AFP, might be extended when it expired.

The order was imposed on David Hicks in December 2007 and confirmed in February 2008 by a Federal Magistrate.

"Control orders at the very least severely restrict a person’s liberty and at worst can amount to house arrest," Katie Wood, Campaign Coordinator at Amnesty International Australia said.

Amnesty International Australia is calling on the Rudd Government to bring Australia’s anti-terror laws into line with international human rights standards.

We believe that the Clarke Inquiry into the treatment of Mohamed Haneef provides the Government with an opportunity to review all aspects of anti-terror laws generally. The report from the Clarke Inquiry was handed to the Attorney-General for consideration on 21 November.

Amnesty International Australia has continually called for the reform of elements of counter terrorism legislation since its incremental introduction began in 2002.

Katie Wood said "We have repeatedly expressed our concerns about a range of provisions under these laws. Of particular concern are preventative detention orders, control orders, detention without charge during questioning, vaguely defined offences and effective undermining of the presumption of innocence."

Amnesty International Australia acknowledges the obligation on Governments to protect the security of their citizens, but this should not be done by sacrificing human rights or the rule of law.

We are also calling for effective safeguards – such as a Human Rights Act – to prevent Australia's formerly strong human rights record being further tarnished.

For more information the David Hicks’ control order decision check out The Australian Federal Police’s press release, as well as stories in the Sydney Morning Herald and the The Australian.

Related links

David Hicks: The story so far, 23 October 2006 Irene Khan's open letter to PM regarding David Hicks, 26 October 2006 Terry Hicks: Man with a mission, 30 March 2007 Behind the facade of David Hicks' guilty plea, 1 June 2007 We award Major Mori for advocacy work on David Hicks, 16 October 2007 Hicks control order to be lifted, 21 November 2008