Fed: Dick Smith says Hicks can face trial in Australia

AAP General News (Australia)
02-19-2007
Fed: Dick Smith says Hicks can face trial in Australia

Businessman DICK SMITH says there are legal loopholes that could be used .. to have
terror suspect DAVID HICKS tried in Australia.

Mr SMITH has given 60 thousand dollars to support the campaign to free HICKS .. who's
been in US custody at Guantanamo Bay for five years.

He says HICKS' legal team has advised the government of legal options that would allow
him to face trial in Australia.

And he's told the Nine Network .. it'd just require the government to enact some retrospective
legislation .. which the prime minister refuses to do.

Mr SMITH says normally Australia doesn't back-date laws .. but he feels in the case
of terrorism .. it's appropriate to do so.

He says although he doesn't support DAVID HICKS .. he'll continue to fight to ensure
he receives a fair trial.







HICKS is likely to face charges of attempted murder in violation of the law of war
and providing material support from terrorism at a US military commission later this year.

He could be sentenced to life imprisonment if convicted.

AAP RTV sld/sb/tm/bart

KEYWORD: HICKS SMITH (CANBERRA)

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