David Hicks finally charged
A formal charge has finally been announced for Australian detainee David Hicks – with the US government accusing him of “material support for terrorism”. A second possible charge of attempted murder was dismissed, but the one remaining charge still carries a hefty weight – potential life imprisonment. Prime Minister John Howard is taking credit for the speed of proceedings now, but David’s father – Terry – accused the PM of playing political games when he ambushed Mr Howard on talk back radio this morning. Terry Hicks accused the law of being retrospectively applied. Amnesty International’s Katie Wood explains the problems with retrospective law. Shadow Attorney General Kelvin Thomson and constitutional law and human rights academic Professor Sarah Joseph question the system in place.