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UK: AI disappointed over UK decision on David Hicks

29 June 2006, 05:20AM

Amnesty International Australia is disappointed at the decision taken by the UK Government overnight to not press the US for David Hicks' release from Guantánamo Bay.

The UK Government has previously secured the release of all of its citizens from the US run detention facility and Amnesty International believes that David Hicks, also a UK citizen should not be treated any differently.

According to reports, this decision was based upon the "consular assistance" which had already been provided by the Australian Government to Mr Hicks.

Amnesty International Australia queries this alleged assistance which sees Mr Hicks continue to languish in unlawful detention in conditions that amount to ill-treatment and torture.

It believes the Australian Government has failed in its duty to protect the human rights of one of its citizens and condemns it standing alone in support for the US military commissions which fall far below standards for fair trials and which David Hicks is due to face.

Amnesty International Australia calls upon the UK Government to afford to David Hicks the benefit of the same arrangement with the US that the other 9 UK citizens received - that is, their release from detention in Guantánamo Bay, which is cruel, inhuman and illegal.

The organisation also calls upon the Australian Government to prevent David Hicks from further violations of his rights and call for his release or trial before a court in compliance with fair trial standards.

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