Former Inmate Delivers Potent Message At Rally

Newcastle Herald

Monday March 19, 2007

By ANITA BEAUMONT

ONE of these men says he is the victim of an elaborate political conspiracy.

The other is former Guantanamo Bay inmate-turned-politician Mamdouh Habib.

Mr Habib and Bryce Gaudry met on Saturday during a rally in Beaumont Street, Hamilton, against Australia's participation in the war in Iraq.

The rally also highlighted the attack on civil liberties by using terror suspect David Hicks as an example.

Both men are independent state election candidates Mr Gaudry for the state seat of Newcastle, after being controversially dumped by his long-time party the ALP, and Mr Habib for the Sydney seat of Auburn and both made speeches at the rally, which attracted about 200 people.

Mr Habib said he came to Newcastle to send a message.

"I want to make people understand the truth," Mr Habib said.

"It doesn't matter who wins the election we have to give people the power and confidence to stand up for themselves."

Mr Habib spoke of his treatment by US authorities, the war in Iraq and the importance of protecting human rights.

Mr Gaudry said he had been against the war in Iraq from its inception, but especially so since Australia's involvement.

He told Mr Habib he was interested to hear what both Mr Habib and his family had been through.

© 2007 Newcastle Herald

Back to News Index | Back to Home