SA: Father could be kept in the dark on Hicks

AAP General News (Australia)
12-10-2003
SA: Father could be kept in the dark on Hicks

By Lauren Ahwan

ADELAIDE, Dec 10 AAP - The father of David Hicks fears he could be kept in the dark
after the United States today gagged the Australian terrorist suspect's lawyers from speaking
publicly.

Australian lawyer Stephen Kenny and US military lawyer Marine Corps Major Michael Mori
will visit Hicks in a detention camp at Guantanamo Bay from tomorrow, taking with them
a video, letters, books, chocolate and Vegemite from Hicks' family in Adelaide.

Maj Mori today said he would give 100 per cent to ensure justice for Hicks, who has
been held by US forces without charge since being captured with Taliban forces in Afghanistan
in December 2001.

"I am fairly confident that, within the bounds of the rules that are set up, I can
do a zealous job for Mr Hicks," Maj Mori told reporters outside the Australian embassy
in Washington.

"We're going to give him 100 per cent."

Hicks' father, Terry, today said he was confident the lawyers would do all they could
but expected he may not be privy to information about his son's case.

"The gag says no talking to the public, so I suppose that covers everybody, probably
including myself," Terry Hicks said in Adelaide.

"Stephen Kenny actually rang me today but he didn't tell me too much - just that he's
going to be in Guantanamo Bay tomorrow.

"I suppose if he does tell me (anything about the case) I will be held to secrecy as well.

"Stephen's the lawyer. If he feels I need to know something then he will tell me.

"(If he doesn't) that's okay. I've been waiting for two years (to hear news about David
Hicks' case) - what's another few weeks."

Terry Hicks said Mr Kenny would present David, an Islamic convert, letters and a video
containing news from his family.

"We just wanted him to know we're supporting him ... and let him know how the rest
of the family was going," Terry said.

"(The letters said) keep your chin up, keep hanging in there and hopefully it won't
be too long and we will catch up in person.

"There's a jar of Vegemite and a block of chocolate and a couple of books as well."

In Washington, Mr Kenny said he would seek permission from US authorities to speak
to the media about David Hicks soon.

"I have currently signed an affidavit with the United States government that I won't
speak to the press without their permission," Mr Kenny said.

"I haven't sought that permission specifically at this stage but I will while we are
down there (in Cuba).

"So hopefully when I get back I will be able to make some comments.

"I have reason to believe that the permission will not unreasonably be withheld."

AAP la/sl/cbs/bwl

KEYWORD: HICKS NIGHTLEAD

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