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From a single column article on page 8 of the west australia today: David Hicks has been sentenced to seven years jail by the US military court. They're taking into account the five years in Guantanamo Bay, so he shall presumably be serving two years in Australia, and then have repaid his debt to society. Or whatever. Given that the maximum sentence was going to be 20, 7 doesn't make him sound all that dangerous. Two years (presumably) in protective custody in Australia will be a cakewalk compared to five years of Guantanamo.
I can't help thinking that they finally got around to putting him on trial because Howard thought it would look good during an election year, and now it's all going to quietly go away. I have no idea how the TV or radio media is treating the story, but the west ran "Footballer going to rehab" on the front page, gave minimal space to David Hicks' sentencing and followed it up with a big "he's still evil!" opinion piece. Interesting times.
I can't help thinking that they finally got around to putting him on trial because Howard thought it would look good during an election year, and now it's all going to quietly go away. I have no idea how the TV or radio media is treating the story, but the west ran "Footballer going to rehab" on the front page, gave minimal space to David Hicks' sentencing and followed it up with a big "he's still evil!" opinion piece. Interesting times.
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The Age has a more detailed story. He's actually been sentenced to 7 years, but 6 years & 9 months is suspended. The US apparently demanded that his previous time in incarceration not be taken into account because they're allowed to hold enemy combatants for the duration of the war. You know, the one that'll never end.
I can't help thinking that they finally got around to putting him on trial because Howard thought it would look good during an election year, and now it's all going to quietly go away.
Bingo!
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From:
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#2:
He's going to serve 9 months in Australia. Also in the agreement is a gag order where he's not allowed to talk to the media for a year or sell his story, and he has had to sign a document saying he wasn't mistreated and he's not allowed to sue them.
You know, I'm usually only worried about people claiming I've mistreated them and sueing when I have actually mistreated people. It's a bit...obvious looking, I must say.
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Thought I'd point you in this direction. (http://deep-salt-water.livejournal.com/348145.html?view=1241585&style=mine#t1241585) It's a story by