Amnesty International welcomes call for review of anti-terrorism laws
23 December 2008, 05:46PM
Amnesty International Australia welcomes the findings of the Clarke Inquiry into the investigation of Dr Mohamed Haneef and Australia’s counter terrorism laws. Amnesty now calls on the Federal Government to implement the recommendations swiftly, in particular those concerned with a review of Australia’s anti-terrorism laws, and strengthened oversight and monitoring of the AFP and intelligence services.
“Mohamed Haneef’s experience in 2007 severely compromised his right to the presumption of innocence, and was nothing short of a fundamental assault on his human rights,” Katie Wood, Campaign Coordinator at Amnesty International Australia, said.
“What Dr Haneef endured highlights more than ever the need for a thorough review of Australia’s counter-terrorism legislation – parts of which had never before been used.”
Amnesty International Australia has continually campaigned for reform of the Australian counter-terrorism legislation ever since its incremental introduction in 2003.
“We believe there are serious flaws in the Australia’s counter-terror legislation and we have repeatedly called for these laws to be brought into line with the international human rights standards and the rule of law,” said Katie Wood.
Amnesty International Australia recognises the government’s obligation to protect its citizens, but this should not be done, and does not need to be done, by sacrificing human rights or the rule of law.
“We have repeatedly expressed our concerns about a range of provisions under these laws. We are particularly concerned about preventative detention orders, control orders, detention without charge during questioning, vaguely defined offences and the undermining of the presumption of innocence.”
Amnesty International Australia is also calling for the introduction of effective safeguards – such as a Human Rights Act – to prevent Australia’s formerly strong human rights record being further tarnished.
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Comments are submitted by members of the public and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of Amnesty International Australia. If you find a comment objectionable please contact the web editor.
Rachel Alway
1 January 2009, 12:41PM
I am writing to express my concern regarding Australia’s current anti-terrorism legislation. In particular, the provision of detention without charge, vaguely defined offences and the loss of a presumption of innocence. As a concerned Australian citizen, I urge the Australian government to introduce safeguards, such as a Human Rights Act, to ensure that security measures are balanced by an upholding of basic human rights.
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