'New evidence' backs Hicks's torture claim

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Lawyers for Guantanamo Bay detainee David Hicks say they have uncovered evidence supporting claims that the South Australian may have been the subject of organised torture by American troops. In an interview with ABC TV's Four Corners program, Hicks's father Terry has detailed allegations of physical and sexual abuse of his son by American soldiers. "He said he had a bag over his head and he said, 'Oh look, I know their accents - they're definitely American' - some pretty horrific things that were done to him," he said.

David Hicks also told his father he was given injections by the Americans and then anally penetrated with various objects. Another detainee says David Hicks told him of being flown by helicopter off a warship to an undisclosed location where he was spat on and beaten before being brought back to the ship.
Former detainee Martin Munbanga says he spoke to Hicks about the allegations.

"He was basically taken ... by helicopter, to a place. They blindfolded and there they beaten and spat upon and he was abused and assaulted," he said. Terry Hicks believes his son was flown to a location where United Nations conventions regarding the treatment of prisoners would not apply. Lawyers for Hicks say they have found some evidence that the helicopter flight did take place. They claim it is highly unlikely a detainee would have been moved without official authorisation.

David Hicks, originally from Adelaide, has been held at Guantanamo Bay since 2002. The 30-year-old convert to Islam was captured in Afghanistan where he allegedly fought alongside the ruling Taliban against US-led forces who invaded after the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001. He faces charges of conspiracy to commit war crimes, attempted murder by an unprivileged belligerent and aiding the enemy.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200510/s1494779.htm

[WearyOne]

1. US forces sexually abused Hicks, father says (Gitmo)

US forces sexually abused Hicks, father says

October 31, 2005 - 8:44PM

Terror suspect David Hicks was sexually abused during two, 10-hour beatings by US attackers, his father Terry has told the ABC's Four Corners program.

Hicks has been in US custody since he was captured alongside Taliban forces in Afghanistan in late 2001, and has spent most of that time at the Guantanamo Bay military prison in Cuba.

He has pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy, attempted murder and aiding the enemy.

His trial begins on November 18 before a military commission.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/us-forces-sexually-abused-hicks-father-says/2005/10/31/1130720480438.html