Hicks Gag to Save Howard

The 12 month gag on David Hicks when he returns to Australia is to save the Howard government from embarrassing truths in the run to this year's election, Greens Leader Bob Brown said in Adelaide today.

"Most people will be relieved he is coming home and that the ordeal for his family is nearing its end. The day David Hicks walks out of jail approaches and his father, mother and other family members now have a date to look forward to. But the shame of Prime Minister Howard's failure to uphold Australian standards will go
down in history."

Senator Brown said he did not believe Hicks'statement, including his reversal claim that he was not abused in Guantanamo Bay.

"This is a plea bargain under coercion. If Hicks claimed abuse or refused the press gag he was staying in Gitmo. So he has agreed to this fabricated statement," Senator Brown said.

"This military commission farce shames Australia. The Howard government has been contemptuous of international and domestic law. But the truth will out," Senator Brown said.