Spy warned of Habib torture (Gitmo)

[Swagman]

Source: The Australian


Spy warned of Habib torture

By Natalie O'Brien
February 02, 2008 02:00am

AN ASIO agent has undermined the Howard government's claims that it did not know anything about former Guantanamo Bay inmate Mamdouh Habib's rendition to Egypt, saying the possibility that the Sydney man might be sent there was discussed from the time the spy agency knew he had been detained in Pakistan.

The spy, using the pseudonym "Paul Stokes", told a Federal Court hearing yesterday that what might happen to Mr Habib was discussed with government officials from the beginning of his detention in October 2001.

"It was discussed in the sense that it could conceivably happen," Mr Stokes said.

He told the court he and other government officials talked about whether the Egyptian authorities would ask for Egyptian-born Mr Habib to be "returned" or whether the Pakistani authorities might want to send him there.

Giving evidence on videolink seen only by judge Rodney Madgwick and legal counsel, Mr Stokes said there was a range of options that could have taken place.

It is the first time an Australian government official has admitted knowing anything about the possibility that Mr Habib might be taken to Egypt before he was sent there in November 2001.

Read more: http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,23145771-2,00.html

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Mamdouh Habib was arrested in Pakistan-"rendered" to Egypt, tortured and then sent to Guatanamo Bay for 1 year. He was released from there with no charges. The previous Australian government of deposed John Howard routinely intimated that he was guilty of something.

[tives12]

1. gitmo and abu ghraib make me ashamed of america

[DCKit]

2. These activities will not cease until we hold our leaders accountable. n/t