Habib's lawyer worried by Egypt move

[Readers of the Blogmanac might already have seen some of our reports on the two Aussie citizens, David Hicks and Mamdouh Habib, who have endured torture, solitary confinement in tiny 6' by 8' cells and other forms of cruel and unusual punishment for some years in the American prison at Guantanamo. Both men, who were long held without charge and with no access to lawyers, Red Cross, family contact, phone calls etc, are believed to be almost broken and suicidal. The US government is using them as scapegoats for 9/11, which they had nothing to do with. (Thanks, Republican voters.) The Australian government, unlike the British in the case of its own citizens, has refused to demand their return.]

"The Australian lawyer for terrorism suspect Mamdouh Habib says he is certain his client is among five Guantanamo Bay detainees who Egypt is trying to gain custody of.

"Reports out of Egypt say the country's Foreign Minister, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, wants the United States to hand over five of its citizens, including 'Ahmed Habib', amid claims they have been moved to the category of "least dangerous" detainees at Camp Delta.

"Mamdouh Habib's Australian lawyer, Stephen Hopper, says his client's middle name is Ahmed and the latest turn of events is disturbing.

"'We're extremely concerned about this attempt,' he said.

"'We would like to know what are the circumstances behind it and we'd also like to know what the Australian Government is doing about it.

"'Mamdouh Habib is an Australian citizen only. Egypt has tried to claim him as one of theirs but Mamdouh has resisted that.'

"Mr Hopper says Mr Habib was tortured while he was in Egyptian custody before being sent to Guantanamo Bay and if he is sent back to Egypt, he will be tortured again.

"'I believe they would've done a deal with the Americans to get him out of their way and they'll probably put him in one of their security prisons where he'll never be heard of again and will be tortured to death,' he said."
Source: ABC Oz