Man jailed over rocket launcher thefts

A Sydney man has been sentenced to three-and-a-half years jail over the theft of army rocket launchers he knew could be used by [state] terrorists [in a false flag operation.]

The court today heard that 30-year-old Tahah Abdul Rahman acted as a middleman in the theft.

Judge Mark Marien said only one of the weapons has ever been found but he said an early guilty plea has saved the need for an expensive trial.

The three-and-a-half year jail sentence has a non-parole period of two years and five months.

Terror suspects held in 'repressive' conditions: lawyer

Lawyer Rob Stary who represented five of the men convicted of terrorism related offences said the conditions they were held in were 'repressive. He said the Government should review the anti-terror laws.

A lawyer for five Victorian men convicted of terrorism related offences says the Federal Government should review the anti-terror laws.

A Supreme Court jury this week found seven men guilty of being members of a terrorist organisation. Another four were acquitted.

Defence lawyer Rob Stary says the men have been held in high-security detention since their arrests in late 2005.

He says none of the men ever committed any violent acts, and they should not have been held in such conditions while the presumption of innocence still applied.

"They are denied physical contact with their family, they are shackled when they are out of their cells," he said.

"They are denied access to any other prison entitlements, mixing in mainstream exercise education programs, access to proper health care."

"It's truly a repressive regime," he said.

Related:

Key witness terrorism trial previously jailed
Outside the court, defence lawyer Rob Stary criticised Federal Attorney-General Robert McClelland for comments made while the trial was still underway.

'Traumatic, stressful' terrorism trial - lawyer
A lawyer for one of the men found not guilty in Australia's largest [scapegoat] terrorism trial has spoken about the effect of the long-running trial on his client and on his own life.

Benbrika guilty on terrorism charges
A Victorian Supreme Court jury has found Abdul Nacer Benbrika guilty [Draconian Laws] of leading a terrorist group.

Jury discharged in terrorism book trial
Khazaal's barrister said his client wrote just two paragraphs in the book, with most of it written by other people.

Jury finds man guilty of terrorist book charge
A Supreme Court jury has found a man guilty of one terrorism-related offence and is still considering its verdict on a second terrorism-related charge.

Judge attacks disparity in laws
Justice Kirby was at the University of NSW last night to accept an honorary Doctorate of Laws for his ''eminent service to the community''.

Suspended sentence in winery terrorist plot
A Victorian grape grower who planned to blow up a rival winery in the state's north-east has been given a suspended sentence.

High Court rejects appeal against Thomas retrial
The High Court has rejected an application for an appeal by Melbourne man Jack Thomas against his retrial on terrorism-related charges.

Bill: Independent reviewer for terrorism laws
Two Liberal Senators have introduced a private member's bill calling for an independent reviewer of terrorism laws.

Push for overhaul of laws on terrorism
In a paper in Judicial Review he said that the National Security Information Act "gives the appearance of having been drafted by persons who have little knowledge of the function and processes of a criminal trial".

Court denies Lodhi leave to appeal
Lodhi claimed the trial did not establish that he had actually decided to carry out a terrorist attack.

Thomas to appeal retrial order
Lawyers for Victorian man Jack Thomas will appeal to the High Court against a decision to retry him on terrorism related charges.

Court orders retrial for Jack Thomas
The Court of Appeal has ordered that Victorian man Jack Thomas must be retried on terrorism-related charges.

Push for overhaul of laws on terrorism
In a paper in Judicial Review he said that the National Security Information Act "gives the appearance of having been drafted by persons who have little knowledge of the function and processes of a criminal trial".

Court denies Lodhi leave to appeal
Lodhi claimed the trial did not establish that he had actually decided to carry out a terrorist attack.

Hicks media gag order ends
As part of the deal, he was also banned from speaking to the media after his release in December 2007.

Terror trial halted over prison conditions
A Supreme Court judge has put a Melbourne terrorism trial on hold and ordered Corrections Victoria to change prison conditions of the 12 accused men

Faheem Lodhi - another non-terrorist jailed under Australia's 'anti-terror' laws? Jack Thomas, a non-terrorist, has been jailed under Australia's anti-terror laws. Now Faheem Lodhi has been convicted under the terror laws on flimsy, circumstantial evidence. It is likely he is another non-terrorist jailed for political purposes under the terror laws.

Key witness terrorism trial previously jailed

Key witness: Scapegoat, Izzydeen Atik.

It has been revealed a key prosecution witness in the country's biggest [scapegoat] terrorism trial has already been jailed on terrorism charges [draconian laws.]

A seventh man has been convicted in the Victorian Supreme Court, while his co-accused are facing further charges.

[Crown witness Izzydeen Atik testified during the trial that the terrorist cell planned to attack the MCG and Crown Casino.]

It can now be revealed Atik is the first Australian to plead guilty to being a member of a terrorist organisation. [Why not he was the crown witness.]

He was sentenced last year to five-and-a-half years jail with a non-parole period of four years.

The jury yesterday convicted a seventh man of being a member of the cell, but was unable to reach a verdict on his co-accused, 31-year-old Shane Kent, who is now facing a re-trial.

Those found guilty will appeal against their convictions, while four of the men are facing further charges.

They are accused of ordering laboratory equipment to make explosives and will face trial at a later date.

Outside the court, defence lawyer Rob Stary criticised Federal Attorney-General Robert McClelland for comments made while the trial was still underway.

"That was one of the bases of the application for the jury to be discharged that the first law officer of this state is making comments on the trial whilst the jury was about to deliver its verdict," he said.

"It just beggars belief."

Lawyer Greg Barns, whose client Ezzit Raad was found guilty yesterday of making funds available to and being a member of a terrorist organisation, says the anti-terrorism laws are misguided.

"Well the laws are too wide," he said.

"They have to be curtailed so that they deal with the root evil which is trying to be dealt with, that is, terrorism, not simply to sweep up everyone in its wake.

"Guilt by association is becoming part of our criminal law and that has been anathema up til now in our criminal justice system.

"Their reach is quite wide. We're going to see cases where freedom of speech will be impinged."

They have to have it. This rubbish legitimises their war on terror. That we need to be protected. More information about how the key witness came into play would be vital to understanding how he became an informer. Was he offered 5 with a 4 instead of 20 years jail if he became a key witness? Did they tell him they would make it stick? Was he of sound mind?

Terrorist trial judge reprimands A-G

A Supreme Court judge has criticised federal Attorney-General Robert McClelland for commenting on Australia's biggest terrorism trial before it was finished.

Justice Bernard Bongiorno said it was "abundantly clear" the justice system was ill served by comments Mr McClelland made on Monday after 24 of the 27 verdicts had been delivered.

When a defence lawyer suggested Mr McClelland should have waited until all the verdicts had been rendered, Justice Bongiorno said flatly, "It's very hard to shut them up."

Justice Bongiorno's main criticism came in a ruling yesterday that, while the comments "had the potential to upset the trial", the jurors should continue their deliberations as they had been frequently warned about outside influences.

[Less than an hour later, the jury returned and found Amer Haddara was the seventh man guilty of belonging to a terrorist organisation that had planned to kill thousands.]

The jury remained split on the fate of Shane Kent, who will face a retrial.

Altogether there were 16 guilty and 10 not guilty verdicts. The jury was hung on one count after seven months.

[The men found guilty, including Abdul Nacer Benbrika who has become the first man found guilty of directing a home-grown terrorist cell will all appeal against their convictions.]

Outside court, lawyer Rob Stary also criticised Mr McClelland for his comments and for supporting the laws rushed in by the Howard government in 2005, under which eight men have now been convicted.

"It beggars belief that the Commonwealth Attorney-General could make comment while the jury was still deliberating," Mr Stary said.

"What the real question is in this case is how four innocent men could have been kept in Guantanamo Bay conditions for almost three years."

He said the Federal Government should not tolerate the failure of the Australian Federal Police, and Commissioner Mick Keelty, after spending $20 billion chasing "so-called terrorist prosecutions".

"We have spent $20 billion in this country in pursuing cases against inconsequential figures," he said.

"You will remember in this case in 2005, when these men were arrested, they said that an imminent terrorist attack had been thwarted. Well, unfortunately they could not identify any imminent terrorist attack by these 12 men: four of them, of course, have been found not guilty."

The Senate was recalled to change a word in the legislation under which the men were tried, leading Mr Stary to call the prosecutions political.

The final verdicts came on the 22nd day of deliberation after a 115-day trial, the largest and longest of its kind in Australian history.

In discharging the jury, Justice Bongiorno thanked the nine women and three men "a sterling task, a very difficult task", performed over seven months.

Haddara was found guilty of being a member of the organisation but cleared of the lesser charge of possessing a computer used in preparation for a terrorist act.

Haddara joins Benbrika, 48, Abdullah Merhi, 23, Aimen Joud, 23, Ahmed Raad, 25, Fadl Sayadi, 28, and Ezzit Raad, 26, in custody awaiting sentence.

Hany Taha, Shoue Hammoud, Bassam Raad and Majed Raad walked free on Monday after being acquitted of all charges.

Related:

'Traumatic, stressful' terrorism trial - lawyer
A lawyer for one of the men found not guilty in Australia's largest [scapegoat] terrorism trial has spoken about the effect of the long-running trial on his client and on his own life.

Benbrika guilty on terrorism charges
A Victorian Supreme Court jury has found Abdul Nacer Benbrika guilty [Draconian Laws] of leading a terrorist group.

Jury discharged in terrorism book trial
Khazaal's barrister said his client wrote just two paragraphs in the book, with most of it written by other people.

Jury finds man guilty of terrorist book charge
A Supreme Court jury has found a man guilty of one terrorism-related offence and is still considering its verdict on a second terrorism-related charge.

Judge attacks disparity in laws
Justice Kirby was at the University of NSW last night to accept an honorary Doctorate of Laws for his ''eminent service to the community''.

Suspended sentence in winery terrorist plot
A Victorian grape grower who planned to blow up a rival winery in the state's north-east has been given a suspended sentence.

High Court rejects appeal against Thomas retrial
The High Court has rejected an application for an appeal by Melbourne man Jack Thomas against his retrial on terrorism-related charges.

Bill: Independent reviewer for terrorism laws
Two Liberal Senators have introduced a private member's bill calling for an independent reviewer of terrorism laws.

Push for overhaul of laws on terrorism
In a paper in Judicial Review he said that the National Security Information Act "gives the appearance of having been drafted by persons who have little knowledge of the function and processes of a criminal trial".

Court denies Lodhi leave to appeal
Lodhi claimed the trial did not establish that he had actually decided to carry out a terrorist attack.

Thomas to appeal retrial order
Lawyers for Victorian man Jack Thomas will appeal to the High Court against a decision to retry him on terrorism related charges.

Court orders retrial for Jack Thomas
The Court of Appeal has ordered that Victorian man Jack Thomas must be retried on terrorism-related charges.

Push for overhaul of laws on terrorism
In a paper in Judicial Review he said that the National Security Information Act "gives the appearance of having been drafted by persons who have little knowledge of the function and processes of a criminal trial".

Court denies Lodhi leave to appeal
Lodhi claimed the trial did not establish that he had actually decided to carry out a terrorist attack.

Hicks media gag order ends
As part of the deal, he was also banned from speaking to the media after his release in December 2007.

Terror trial halted over prison conditions
A Supreme Court judge has put a Melbourne terrorism trial on hold and ordered Corrections Victoria to change prison conditions of the 12 accused men

Faheem Lodhi - another non-terrorist jailed under Australia's 'anti-terror' laws? Jack Thomas, a non-terrorist, has been jailed under Australia's anti-terror laws. Now Faheem Lodhi has been convicted under the terror laws on flimsy, circumstantial evidence. It is likely he is another non-terrorist jailed for political purposes under the terror laws.

'Traumatic, stressful' terrorism trial - lawyer

At no stage was he a member of any terrorist organisation

A lawyer for one of the men found not guilty in Australia's largest [scapegoat] terrorism trial has spoken about the effect of the long-running trial on his client and on his own life.

James Montgomery says in his 30 years practising law, he has never worked on such a stressful and complicated case.

Hany Taha, 33, spent his first night at home with his wife and children last night after close to three years on remand. The panel beater from Melbourne's inner-north is now a free man after a jury acquitted him of raising money for a terrorist attack on home soil.

Throughout the trial Mr Taha was represented by barrister James Montgomery SC.

During the trial he described Abdul Nacer Benbrika as being incapable of leading ants to sugar and organising a booze up in a brewery and said that far from being an organisation, the group was a "disorganisation".

Used to defending murderers and drug dealers, this was Mr Montgomery's first experience of defending someone accused of terrorism offences, under Australia's amended anti-terror laws.

Mr Montgomery says the complexity and quantity of material, and his belief that his client had been incorrectly charged, made this case particularly traumatic and stressful.

"It is a very complicated and a very broad encompassing law which encompassed a very wide variety of circumstances in relation to [the] Muslim community in which a whole range of young seeking Muslims could be charged under that law in relation to terrorist offences," he said.

His client took part in more than 40 conversations which were secretly recorded by police over 16 months, from June 2004 until November 2005.

Compared to some of the other conversations, Mr Taha's were relatively benign.

Back then he worked full-time with his family's panel beating business. He considered many of the accused as friends and acquaintances and visited the so-called spiritual leader Abdul Nacer Benbrika from time to time.

It is understood his father became angry when he realised the true extent of Benbrika's teachings.

Convicted of directing a terrorist organisation, Benbrika [allegedly] told some of his followers to keep their roles in the cell secret.

Mr Taha was not one of them but even so, he found himself caught up in Operation Pendennis.

Mr Montgomery says because of his association with Benbrika, who was at one stage his spiritual leader, Mr Taha became caught up in the group that involved Benbrika.

"But at no stage was he a member of any terrorist organisation," he said.

"He's coped very well and has been very fatalistic but had confidence in the justice system that eventually a jury would find that he was not guilty of the offences that he'd been charged with."

Jury convicts seventh man in terrorism case

Another Melbourne man has been convicted [Draconian Laws] of being a member of a terrorist cell.

Amer Haddara of Yarraville has been found guilty of being a member of a terrorist organisation, but not guilty of possessing a computer in connection with preparing for a terrorist act.

The jury were unable to reach a verdict in the case of his co-accused, 31-year-old Shane Kent, of Meadow Heights.

Special Report by Colin Mitchell Civil Rights Defence

18 July 2008: The lawyer for Shane Kent said that no logical inference could be drawn between Kent attending a training camp in Afghanistan in 2001 and becoming part of a terrorist group. The evidence suggested that he did not talk about this training to others and that he tended to stand apart from the group. Kent said he had no need to attach himself to anyone or follow any particular teaching. He did not go on any trip with the group.

There was no indication that he had a special relationship with Benbrika. Rather he tried to tiptoe through the shifting relationships and alliances of the group. No indication that he is part of an organised group.

The prosecution has brought out the dirtiest linen from 1,000 hours of recorded conversation.

Kent actually said to the others that they could not do anything here in Australia.

The lawyer finished strongly by talking about the atmosphere of fear in the last 7 years about terrorism and saying that we cannot compromise the principle of "proof beyond reasonable doubt" and "innocence until proven guilty" in the name of war on terror.

The lawyer for Fadel Sayadi said that he was motivated by enthusiasm for his religion.

"Brotherhood" and "praying" are interpreted by the Crown as indicative of an organisation. The Crown has tried to make the setting up of "dance classes" a critical part of the alleged terror org.

She pointed out that words are spoken in a cultural context. Context gives meaning to words. All the men were aware of intense surveillance levelled at them and under the pressure of that. It does not follow from the evidence she said that he was a member of a terror organisation or provided resources to a terror org. (the resources he is alleged to have provided is himself).

There is a presumption of innocence in our justice system and the Crown must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

2005 was a time in which Muslims were vilified and new contentious terror laws were introduced. There was fear throughout the Muslim community that they could be arrested for what they say. The Muslim community knew that Benbrika was under surveillance by ASIO because he would not shut up from espousing his radical brand of dogmatic Islam. Benbrika has bragged that he was the only person who had refused to talk to ASIO.
She continued that our perspective colours our view. The Crown describes the case as like a jigsaw puzzle. But the pieces are cut to fit. And they are assembled according to the picture on the box - the Crown's preconceived picture.

Fadal joked about taking ASIO to court for "stalking". There were rumours and paranoia in the group about whether members were working for ASIO.

Fadal warned Benbrika that "operative 39" (the ASIO plant) could be working for ASIO. On this basis the prosecution has characterised Fadal as the group's "security officer". (Benbrika nevertheless went with 39 a few days later to witness the detonation of a police supplied home-made bomb which was filmed by a camera hidden in a tree).

The prosecution alleges that Fadal was Benbrika's trusted "security officer" but Benbrika did not heed what he said. There were no private conversations recorded between Benbrika and Fadal.

The men talked about hiding the "sandook" (money box) because they distrusted the cops and ASIO - they thought that the cops would take the money as "drug money".

Their paranoia resulted from the intense surveillance they were under including raids in June 05. They sometimes "let off steam" by joking eg when deciding what to call their group when booking the dance class meetings the name "A1 terrorists" was suggested. The prosecution took this seriously as self-description.

But the men knew they were being characterised as terrorists by the authorities.

CIVIL RIGHTS DEFENCE IS A MELBOURNE BASED GROUP OF ACTIVISTS AND CITIZENS CONCERNED ABOUT THE IMPACT ON CIVIL RIGHTS OF THESE DANGEROUS LAWS.

Related:

Benbrika guilty on terrorism charges
A Victorian Supreme Court jury has found Abdul Nacer Benbrika guilty [Draconian Laws] of leading a terrorist group.

Jury discharged in terrorism book trial
Khazaal's barrister said his client wrote just two paragraphs in the book, with most of it written by other people.

Jury finds man guilty of terrorist book charge
A Supreme Court jury has found a man guilty of one terrorism-related offence and is still considering its verdict on a second terrorism-related charge.

Judge attacks disparity in laws
Justice Kirby was at the University of NSW last night to accept an honorary Doctorate of Laws for his ''eminent service to the community''.

Suspended sentence in winery terrorist plot
A Victorian grape grower who planned to blow up a rival winery in the state's north-east has been given a suspended sentence.

High Court rejects appeal against Thomas retrial
The High Court has rejected an application for an appeal by Melbourne man Jack Thomas against his retrial on terrorism-related charges.

Bill: Independent reviewer for terrorism laws
Two Liberal Senators have introduced a private member's bill calling for an independent reviewer of terrorism laws.

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In a paper in Judicial Review he said that the National Security Information Act "gives the appearance of having been drafted by persons who have little knowledge of the function and processes of a criminal trial".

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Lodhi claimed the trial did not establish that he had actually decided to carry out a terrorist attack.

Thomas to appeal retrial order
Lawyers for Victorian man Jack Thomas will appeal to the High Court against a decision to retry him on terrorism related charges.

Court orders retrial for Jack Thomas
The Court of Appeal has ordered that Victorian man Jack Thomas must be retried on terrorism-related charges.

Push for overhaul of laws on terrorism
In a paper in Judicial Review he said that the National Security Information Act "gives the appearance of having been drafted by persons who have little knowledge of the function and processes of a criminal trial".

Court denies Lodhi leave to appeal
Lodhi claimed the trial did not establish that he had actually decided to carry out a terrorist attack.

Hicks media gag order ends
As part of the deal, he was also banned from speaking to the media after his release in December 2007.

Terror trial halted over prison conditions
A Supreme Court judge has put a Melbourne terrorism trial on hold and ordered Corrections Victoria to change prison conditions of the 12 accused men

Faheem Lodhi - another non-terrorist jailed under Australia's 'anti-terror' laws? Jack Thomas, a non-terrorist, has been jailed under Australia's anti-terror laws. Now Faheem Lodhi has been convicted under the terror laws on flimsy, circumstantial evidence. It is likely he is another non-terrorist jailed for political purposes under the terror laws.

Benbrika guilty on terrorism charges

Guilty: Abdul Benbrika, draconian laws, 12 people in all were facing charges, but half of them have been aquitted.

A Victorian Supreme Court jury has found Abdul Nacer Benbrika guilty [Draconian Laws] of leading a terrorist group.

The jury in Australia's largest terror trial is returning its verdicts.

Benbrika has been found guilty of all charges, including intentionally being a member of a terrorist organisation which was fostering a terrorist act.

12 people in all were facing charges, but half of them have been aquitted.

Five of Benbrika's followers have been found guilty of intentionally being members of a terrorist group. Aimen Joud, Fadl Sayadi, Ezzit Raad, Ahmed Raad, Abdullah Merhi were all convicted. Justice Bernard Bongiorno is expected to hear plea hearings this afternoon.

Four men were acquitted - Hany Taha, Majed Raad, Shoue Hammoud and Bassam Raad. They left court after hugging their co-accused.

The jury is yet to decide on the fate of Shane Kent and Amer Haddara.

Benbrika's lawyer, Remy van de Wiel, QC, said he hoped to speak to his client within the next two days.

"He has been, I think, very stressed through these entire proceedings."

Special Report by Colin Mitchell Civil Rights Defence

The defence lawyer for Benbrika started by pointing out that he must be presumed innocent unless the jury members decide the prosecution has proven guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Here are some points he raised today 4 July 2008, (notes only, not verbatim):

- a police officer who followed the bus on their camping trip to Eden said that Benbrika was on the bus. He was not as he did not go on the trip. This is an illustration of how the police mind-set was out to get Benbrika and could distort their perception.

- went through a description of how the perception of muslims has been distorted in the West through fear (mentioned the residents of Camden in Sydney as an example)

- the Crown has taken a literalist approach.

- members of the jury have to stand between the power of the State and the individual (defendant)

- teenage children and politicians are liable to say outrageous things but ultimately (like the defendants in this case) they do nothing.

- participants in a male macho culture can get intoxicated with their own fantasy.

- actions speak louder than bravado and bluster

- the Mujahadeen and Osama bin Laden were financially supported by the Americans. In the West we have learnt to vilify Osama bin Laden but he became a hero of the muslim resistance to the Russians and it is not surprising that some muslims praise him.

- Benbrika is very concerned to show that he is acting in accordance with his religion.

He and the others were under extreme pressure from the many years of intense surveillance by ASIO - Benbrika's reaction was not to conform and appear inconspicuous but to stand up even more fervently for his religion and make wild statements.

- when they describe themselves as "terrorists" this is not an admission of guilt - they are talking to themselves to affirm themselves.

- the prosecution took sarcastic jokes and comments out of context

- the men had extreme fear and distrust of authorities. This distrust is justified as revealed by the Haneef case.

- there were raids made on the men at 2.30am in the morning. The lawyer said that it is terrifying to think that in Australia we can have people being raided at 2.30am like in Nazi Germany.

- Benbrika wanted to aggrandise himself. Shoue Hamoud warned them that they were going to be arrested from all the talk. "We have done nothing, but just from the talk we will be arrested."

CIVIL RIGHTS DEFENCE

The jury in Australia's biggest terrorism trial has released its conclusions on the Barwon 12

Civil Rights defence believes the anti-terror legislation is so broad and vague that it can criminalise non-terrorist. It is a bad law and should be repealed.

Join with us outside the County Court in protest of these Terror Laws.

Place - County Court, 250 Williams Street, Cnr Williams and Lonsdale St Melb

Time - NOW 12.15pm to 2 pm

CIVIL RIGHTS DEFENCE IS A MELBOURNE BASED GROUP OF ACTIVISTS AND CITIZENS CONCERNED ABOUT THE IMPACT ON CIVIL RIGHTS OF THESE DANGEROUS LAWS.

Related:

Jury discharged in terrorism book trial
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Jury finds man guilty of terrorist book charge
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In a paper in Judicial Review he said that the National Security Information Act "gives the appearance of having been drafted by persons who have little knowledge of the function and processes of a criminal trial".

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Hicks media gag order ends
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Terror trial halted over prison conditions
A Supreme Court judge has put a Melbourne terrorism trial on hold and ordered Corrections Victoria to change prison conditions of the 12 accused men

Faheem Lodhi - another non-terrorist jailed under Australia's 'anti-terror' laws? Jack Thomas, a non-terrorist, has been jailed under Australia's anti-terror laws. Now Faheem Lodhi has been convicted under the terror laws on flimsy, circumstantial evidence. It is likely he is another non-terrorist jailed for political purposes under the terror laws.

Jury discharged in terrorism book trial

Khazal's barrister said his client wrote just two paragraphs in the book, with most of it written by other people.

A Supreme Court jury has been discharged after failing to make a decision on a second charge against a Sydney man who compiled a book on terrorism.

Belal Khazal pleaded not guilty to two terrorism-related charges after producing a book published on the internet.

The court heard it had information on how to blow up planes and an assassination hit-list.

Khazal's lawyer argued he was the author of just a few paragraphs and that he compiled information that was available to anyone on the internet.

Yesterday a Supreme Court jury found the 38-year-old guilty of one charge - producing a book knowing it was connected with assisting a terrorist act.

But the jury has been unable to make a decision on the second charge of attempting to incite a terrorist act.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is yet to decide if Khazal will face a re-trial on that second charge.

Quote: Seems clear that writing a couple of paragraphs that landed in some book doesn't commit any deed in relation to what others may think? Or do about it. Let the man go this trial is a witch-hunt.

Yesterday's quote.

Quote: It will be interesting to see what sentence he gets in relation to the Suspended sentence given in the winery terrorist plot case. Where there was prime evidence to commit a terrorist act on Australian soil.

In this case found guilty of merely submitting a couple of paragraphs to the authors of a book would hardly be classified as "producing a book knowing it was connected with assisting in a terrorist act."

What terrorist act? And what if the said alleged terrorist act was in resisting occupation? Seems then it's only a matter of what race you belong to? Or who wanted to win an illegal occupation of a sovereign nation? And Draconian Laws in the land of the occupier - upon which those who dissent against occupation and murder - even in their own homeland - in relation to an illegal and degrading war - and crimes against humanity can be punished for words and not deeds.


Related:

Jury finds man guilty of terrorist book charge
A Supreme Court jury has found a man guilty of one terrorism-related offence and is still considering its verdict on a second terrorism-related charge.

Judge attacks disparity in laws
Justice Kirby was at the University of NSW last night to accept an honorary Doctorate of Laws for his ''eminent service to the community''.

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In a paper in Judicial Review he said that the National Security Information Act "gives the appearance of having been drafted by persons who have little knowledge of the function and processes of a criminal trial".

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Terror trial halted over prison conditions
A Supreme Court judge has put a Melbourne terrorism trial on hold and ordered Corrections Victoria to change prison conditions of the 12 accused men

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Jury finds man guilty of terrorist book charge

Khazaal's barrister said his client wrote just two paragraphs in the book, with most of it written by other people.

A Supreme Court jury has found a man guilty of one terrorism-related offence and is still considering its verdict on a second terrorism-related charge.

Belal Kazaal pleaded not guilty to two charges related to producing a book which was published on the internet in 2003.

The court heard although he was not the author of the entire document, he compiled writings that included how to strike motorcades, shoot down planes and detonate car bombs.

After retiring on Monday to consider its verdict, a jury has found him guilty of one of the charges - producing a book knowing it was connected with assisting in a terrorist act.

Quote: It will be interesting to see what sentence he gets in relation to the Suspended sentence given in the winery terrorist plot case. Where there was prime evidence to commit a terrorist act on Australian soil.

In this case found guilty of merely submitting a couple of paragraphs to the authors of a book would hardly be classified as "producing a book knowing it was connected with assisting in a terrorist act."

What terrorist act? And what if the said alleged terrorist act was in resisting occupation? Seems then it's only a matter of what race you belong to? Or who wanted to win an illegal occupation of a sovereign nation? And Draconian Laws in the land of the occupier - upon which those who dissent against occupation and murder - even in their own homeland - in relation to an illegal and degrading war - and crimes against humanity can be punished for words and not deeds.

Related:

Judge attacks disparity in laws
Justice Kirby was at the University of NSW last night to accept an honorary Doctorate of Laws for his ''eminent service to the community''.

Suspended sentence in winery terrorist plot
A Victorian grape grower who planned to blow up a rival winery in the state's north-east has been given a suspended sentence.

High Court rejects appeal against Thomas retrial
The High Court has rejected an application for an appeal by Melbourne man Jack Thomas against his retrial on terrorism-related charges.

Bill: Independent reviewer for terrorism laws
Two Liberal Senators have introduced a private member's bill calling for an independent reviewer of terrorism laws.

Push for overhaul of laws on terrorism
In a paper in Judicial Review he said that the National Security Information Act "gives the appearance of having been drafted by persons who have little knowledge of the function and processes of a criminal trial".

Court denies Lodhi leave to appeal
Lodhi claimed the trial did not establish that he had actually decided to carry out a terrorist attack.

Thomas to appeal retrial order
Lawyers for Victorian man Jack Thomas will appeal to the High Court against a decision to retry him on terrorism related charges.

Court orders retrial for Jack Thomas
The Court of Appeal has ordered that Victorian man Jack Thomas must be retried on terrorism-related charges.

Push for overhaul of laws on terrorism
In a paper in Judicial Review he said that the National Security Information Act "gives the appearance of having been drafted by persons who have little knowledge of the function and processes of a criminal trial".

Court denies Lodhi leave to appeal
Lodhi claimed the trial did not establish that he had actually decided to carry out a terrorist attack.

Hicks media gag order ends
As part of the deal, he was also banned from speaking to the media after his release in December 2007.

Terror trial halted over prison conditions
A Supreme Court judge has put a Melbourne terrorism trial on hold and ordered Corrections Victoria to change prison conditions of the 12 accused men

Faheem Lodhi - another non-terrorist jailed under Australia's 'anti-terror' laws? Jack Thomas, a non-terrorist, has been jailed under Australia's anti-terror laws. Now Faheem Lodhi has been convicted under the terror laws on flimsy, circumstantial evidence. It is likely he is another non-terrorist jailed for political purposes under the terror laws.

Thomas to appeal retrial order

Retrial ordered: Jack Thomas outside court in Melbourne in March, 2005.

Lawyers for Victorian man Jack Thomas will appeal to the High Court against a decision to retry him on terrorism related charges.

On Monday, the 35 year old man from Werribee was ordered on to face a retrial on charges of accepting funds from a terrorist organisation and possessing a falsified Australian passport.

But his lawyer Jim Kennan SC says he will be seeking leave to appeal to the High Court.

The matter returns to court next month.

Related:

Court orders retrial for Jack Thomas
The Court of Appeal has ordered that Victorian man Jack Thomas must be retried on terrorism-related charges.

Push for overhaul of laws on terrorism
In a paper in Judicial Review he said that the National Security Information Act "gives the appearance of having been drafted by persons who have little knowledge of the function and processes of a criminal trial".

Court denies Lodhi leave to appeal
Lodhi claimed the trial did not establish that he had actually decided to carry out a terrorist attack.

Haneef's lawyer says inquiry is weak
The inquiry into Australian authorities' handling of the Mohamed Haneef case needs stronger powers to avoid becoming a "toothless tiger", the former terror suspect's lawyer says.

Hicks media gag order ends
As part of the deal, he was also banned from speaking to the media after his release in December 2007.

Terror trial halted over prison conditions
A Supreme Court judge has put a Melbourne terrorism trial on hold and ordered Corrections Victoria to change prison conditions of the 12 accused men

ASIO, police don't trust each other, report finds
A LACK of trust between the Australian Federal Police and ASIO has hindered co-operation between the anti-terrorism agencies, a report commissioned after the collapsed prosecution of the Sydney doctor Izhar ul-Haque has found.

Secret policemen's bill: $7.5m
Mr McClelland separately ruled out compensating or apologising to the Sydney medical student Izhar Ul-Haque, who a Supreme Court judge said had been kidnapped by ASIO officers. The conduct of ASIO in the case of Mr ul-Haque, who was cleared of terrorism charges, is being reviewed by the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, Ian Carnell.

Faheem Lodhi - another non-terrorist jailed under Australia's 'anti-terror' laws?
Jack Thomas, a non-terrorist, has been jailed under Australia's anti-terror laws. Now Faheem Lodhi has been convicted under the terror laws on flimsy, circumstantial evidence. It is likely he is another non-terrorist jailed for political purposes under the terror laws.

Court orders retrial for Jack Thomas

Retrial ordered: Jack Thomas outside court in Melbourne in March, 2005.

The Court of Appeal has ordered that Victorian man Jack Thomas must be retried on terrorism-related charges.

The 35-year-old Werribee man will be retried on charges that he accepted funds from a terrorist organisation and possessed a falsified Australian passport.

His convictions on both counts were quashed in 2006.

But the Crown argued he made admissions during an interview with the ABC's Four Corners program and should be retried.

The defence said the Crown knew about the interview during the first trial, and thus it could not be deemed fresh evidence.

But the Court of Appeal has rejected the defence submission.

His legal team is considering a High Court appeal.

Mr Thomas was not in the court for the finding, but his mother and brother were.

They did not comment.

Related:

Push for overhaul of laws on terrorism
In a paper in Judicial Review he said that the National Security Information Act "gives the appearance of having been drafted by persons who have little knowledge of the function and processes of a criminal trial".

Court denies Lodhi leave to appeal
Lodhi claimed the trial did not establish that he had actually decided to carry out a terrorist attack.

Haneef's lawyer says inquiry is weak
The inquiry into Australian authorities' handling of the Mohamed Haneef case needs stronger powers to avoid becoming a "toothless tiger", the former terror suspect's lawyer says.

Hicks media gag order ends
As part of the deal, he was also banned from speaking to the media after his release in December 2007.

Terror trial halted over prison conditions
A Supreme Court judge has put a Melbourne terrorism trial on hold and ordered Corrections Victoria to change prison conditions of the 12 accused men

ASIO, police don't trust each other, report finds
A LACK of trust between the Australian Federal Police and ASIO has hindered co-operation between the anti-terrorism agencies, a report commissioned after the collapsed prosecution of the Sydney doctor Izhar ul-Haque has found.

Secret policemen's bill: $7.5m
Mr McClelland separately ruled out compensating or apologising to the Sydney medical student Izhar Ul-Haque, who a Supreme Court judge said had been kidnapped by ASIO officers. The conduct of ASIO in the case of Mr ul-Haque, who was cleared of terrorism charges, is being reviewed by the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, Ian Carnell.

Faheem Lodhi - another non-terrorist jailed under Australia's 'anti-terror' laws?
Jack Thomas, a non-terrorist, has been jailed under Australia's anti-terror laws. Now Faheem Lodhi has been convicted under the terror laws on flimsy, circumstantial evidence. It is likely he is another non-terrorist jailed for political purposes under the terror laws.

Court denies Lodhi leave to appeal

Faheem Lodhi another non-terrorist jailed under Australia's 'anti-terror' laws?

A man jailed for 20 years for planning a terrorist attack on Australia's electricity system has been refused leave to appeal to the High Court.

Faheem Khalid Lodhi was convicted two years ago of planning a terrorist attack in October 2003.

He collected maps of Australia's electricity supply grid and sought information about chemicals used to make explosives.

His 2006 trial was told he was an associate of convicted terrorist Willie Brigitte, who was deported to France.

Lodhi claimed the trial did not establish that he had actually decided to carry out a terrorist attack.

Today the High Court dismissed Lodhi's applications to appeal against his conviction and sentence.

Related:

Push for overhaul of laws on terrorism
In a paper in Judicial Review he said that the National Security Information Act "gives the appearance of having been drafted by persons who have little knowledge of the function and processes of a criminal trial".

Faheem Lodhi - another non-terrorist jailed under Australia's 'anti-terror' laws?
Jack Thomas, a non-terrorist, has been jailed under Australia's anti-terror laws. Now Faheem Lodhi has been convicted under the terror laws on flimsy, circumstantial evidence. It is likely he is another non-terrorist jailed for political purposes under the terror laws.

$8m bill for bungled terrorism case

The federal police investigation of events surrounding the bungled Haneef terrorism-support case has so far cost $8.2 million and it's not over yet.

But Australian Federal Police (AFP) commissioner Mick Keelty is adamant not all the money has been spent on pursuing the Indian-born Gold Coast medical registrar who was detained at Brisbane airport last July.

"It is not - believe it it or not - all about Haneef," he told a Senate estimates committee hearing.

The investigation - called Operation Rain - was the Australian response and provision of assistance to UK Metropolitan Police in relation to terrorist attacks in London and Glasgow in July 2007, Mr Keelty said.

"The expenditure of resources in assisting the UK metropolitan police and ensuring any Australian connections were appropriately investigated, in addition to the prevention of similar attacks in Australia, is not only an appropriate response but an obligation for the AFP.

"Our current expenditure on Operation Rain as at May 14, 2008 was $8.2 million."

The sum of $3.2 million was directly attributable to the specific investigation of Dr Haneef and related inquiries, Mr Keelty said.

"Over $5 million is attributable to the investigation of other persons of whom I will not be commenting due to operational sensitivities.

The case against Dr Haneef, charged with terror-support offences, collapsed when the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions admitted there was insufficient evidence to obtain a guilty verdict.

Despite that Dr Haneef was kept in detention by immigration officials, on the orders of the Howard government.

Following a federal court decision, Dr Haneef was released and returned voluntarily to India. The case is the subject of a review, ordered by the Rudd government, by former NSW Supreme Court judge John Clarke.

At its peak, Operation Rain involved 249 AFP officers, 225 Queensland police, 12 officers from the Attorney-General's department, 54 West Australian police, 40 NSW police, six Customs officers, two Northern Territory police, one Tasmanian officer, six translators, four other law enforcement agencies and two UK police posted to Australia.

The AFP had also responded to 29 national security hotline reports generated from Operation Rain, Mr Keelty said.

Preventive activities were not as transparent or readily understood as response to a terror attack, such as the 2002 Bali bombings, although they were equally important.

In some cases preventive operation outcomes were much more desired, he said.

"Operation Rain is an ongoing investigation and is also the subject of the Clarke inquiry commissioned by the government," he said.

"The AFP is providing full cooperation to the Clarke inquiry."

Related:

Thomas' lawyers fight retrial order
Lawyers for Victorian man, Jack Thomas, are opposing a court order that he be retried on terrorism charges.

Terror raid 'message'
COUNTER-TERRORISM police yesterday raided the homes of two Sydney men with allegedly extremist Islamic views to "send a message" they were being closely watched and dissuade them from any plans to engage in a terrorist act.

Palestinian exhibition axed after police visit
A police spokesman said the officers were from the operations' community contact unit and had come only to "say hi" to Friends of Hebron members. "They went to introduce themselves just to let them know who they are and what they are about. [Speaking with community groups] is part of their charter," he said. "When they got there the librarian was the only one there … they just had a quick chat to the librarian."

AFP colluded with Andrews: Haneef lawyer
Lawyers representing former [scapegoat] terror suspect Dr Mohamed Haneef have accused federal police of attempting to re-write history following claims investigating officers were caught unaware by a decision to cancel his work visa.

ASIO, police don't trust each other, report finds
A LACK of trust between the Australian Federal Police and ASIO has hindered co-operation between the anti-terrorism agencies, a report commissioned after the collapsed prosecution of the Sydney doctor Izhar ul-Haque has found.

Secret policemen's bill: $7.5m
Mr McClelland separately ruled out compensating or apologising to the Sydney medical student Izhar Ul-Haque, who a Supreme Court judge said had been kidnapped by ASIO officers. The conduct of ASIO in the case of Mr ul-Haque, who was cleared of terrorism charges, is being reviewed by the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, Ian Carnell.

Tough police powers outlive APEC
CONTROVERSIAL powers granted to NSW police during last year's APEC summit are likely to be made permanent - or at least available to police for any special event - under a proposal to be taken to state cabinet.

Push for overhaul of laws on terrorism
Anti-terrorism laws are just 'state sanctioned terrorism' aimed at 'innocent people' and using them as 'scapegoats' for Australia's 'alleged war on terror'. These laws were meant to project 'fear' in the community that we somehow need to be protected so that the government can wage war on innocent people for resources around the world unchallenged.

Report describes Habib interrogation
The agent said Mr Habib, a former Sydney taxi driver held at the US military prison at Guantanamo for more than two years, endured two 15-hour interrogation sessions with only a short break in between.

UN Torture Committee Blasts Australia
The Committee against Torture expressed concern about Australia's counter-terrorism laws. The Committee was also concerned that Australians knew about what was happening in Abu Ghraib, but did not act to stop the mistreatment. In a thinly disguised reference to the cases of Mamdouh Habib and David Hicks, the Committee expressed concern that Australia has failed to investigate claims of torture.

Habib mistreated but not in Aussie embassy
There was little doubt that Mamdouh Habib was badly mistreated after he was detained by Pakistani and US authorities in the wake of the September 11 attacks and no doubt whatsoever that he was taken to Egypt against his will, a Federal Court judge has found.

Hicks media gag order ends
As part of the deal, he was also banned from speaking to the media after his release in December 2007.

Report describes Habib interrogation

Mamdouh Habib … vomited.

AN FBI agent watched the Australian prisoner Mamdouh Habib repeatedly vomit during a marathon interrogation session at Guantanamo Bay in 2004, a US Justice Department report says.

The agent said Mr Habib, a former Sydney taxi driver held at the US military prison at Guantanamo for more than two years, endured two 15-hour interrogation sessions with only a short break in between.

The report said "Habib's condition did not bother" the agent at the time of the interrogation, "but in retrospect she questioned whether the treatment of Habib was appropriate".

Details about Mr Habib's confinement at Guantanamo, including an alleged assault inflicted by a private-contract interrogator with Lockheed Martin, were included in the report, which took the Department of Justice more than three years to compile.

More than 1000 FBI staff were surveyed to ascertain if FBI agents witnessed abuse of prisoners, reported abuse to superiors, or participated in abuse. Of the more than 450 FBI agents who served at Guantanamo, the report found almost half "observed or heard about various rough or aggressive treatment of detainees, primarily by military interrogators".

"The most frequently reported techniques included sleep deprivation or disruption, prolonged shackling, stress positions, isolation and the use of bright lights and loud music," the report said. Other allegations include the use of a snake, dogs pornography and sexual touching.

The investigation "in general" did not find "FBI agents participated in abuse of detainees in connection with interrogations in the military zones".

The other Australian held at Guantanamo, David Hicks, was not mentioned in the report.

Related:

UN Torture Committee Blasts Australia
The Committee against Torture expressed concern about Australia's counter-terrorism laws. The Committee was also concerned that Australians knew about what was happening in Abu Ghraib, but did not act to stop the mistreatment. In a thinly disguised reference to the cases of Mamdouh Habib and David Hicks, the Committee expressed concern that Australia has failed to investigate claims of torture.

Habib mistreated but not in Aussie embassy
There was little doubt that Mamdouh Habib was badly mistreated after he was detained by Pakistani and US authorities in the wake of the September 11 attacks and no doubt whatsoever that he was taken to Egypt against his will, a Federal Court judge has found.

Hicks media gag order ends
As part of the deal, he was also banned from speaking to the media after his release in December 2007.

Haneef demands documents from Immigration Dept

Lawyers for Mohamed Haneef say their client is demanding the Immigration Department disclose documents relating to his case.

The Indian doctor, who worked at the Gold Coast hospital, was arrested over last year's United Kingdom bomb plots.

He had his visa cancelled despite a charge against him being dropped.

An application was filed in the Commonwealth Administrative Appeals Tribunal in Brisbane yesterday, asking for a review of the department's refusal to pass on information about his cancelled visa.

His lawyers say the documents are needed to submit to the Federal Government inquiry currently investigating the doctor's arrest.

Related:

AFP colluded with Andrews: Haneef lawyer
Lawyers representing former [scapegoat] terror suspect Dr Mohamed Haneef have accused federal police of attempting to re-write history following claims investigating officers were caught unaware by a decision to cancel his work visa.

Haneef inquiry could be waste of time and money: lawyer
The lawyer for former Gold Coast [scapegoat] terrorism suspect Dr Mohamed Haneef says he is worried a Government-ordered inquiry into the case will be a waste of time and money.

AFP colluded with Andrews: Haneef lawyer

Lawyers representing former [scapegoat] terror suspect Dr Mohamed Haneef have accused federal police of attempting to re-write history following claims investigating officers were caught unaware by a decision to cancel his work visa.

Dr Haneef's legal team on Tuesday dismissed the story.

"It's bullshit because we know that the AFP was in contact with the migration department before the visa was cancelled," Lawyer Rod Hodgson said.

"They cooked up a scheme between the two of them to cancel the visa in the event that they got an adverse finding in the magistrate's court."

Mr Hodgson, from law firm Maurice Blackburn, has joined Dr Haneef's legal team ahead of a judicial inquiry into the case which begins in Canberra on Wednesday.

He echoed calls from fellow lawyer Peter Russo for the inquiry head John Clarke QC to be given "coercive powers" to force witnesses including Mr Andrews and AFP chief Mick Keelty to give evidence.

Both men have stated they will cooperate with the inquiry but Mr Hodgson said he remained sceptical.

"I do not have confidence that there will be full and frank cooperation from some of the key players," he said.

"We don't have answers to questions we want answered and are concerned that Mr Clarke is going to have some trouble getting to the bottom of those matters without being given coercive powers."

Dr Haneef was held without charge for 12 days after being arrested at Brisbane International Airport last July for his alleged links to [another false flag operation?] in the UK.

The Indian national was eventually charged with supporting terrorism but the charge collapsed within days, prompting his return to his family in Bangalore.

His legal team then successfully appealed Mr Andrews decision to cancel his visa on "character grounds", paving the way for his return to work in Australia if he can find work.

Mr Clarke will outline how he intends to conduct the inquiry at Wednesday's hearing and is due to report back to the federal government by September 30.

He is expected to produce a public report and a private one.

Related:

Haneef inquiry could be waste of time and money: lawyer
Someone must have been telling lies about Dr Mohamed Haneef, because without having done anything wrong he was arrested one fine evening.

Haneef inquiry could be waste of time and money: lawyer

The lawyer for former Gold Coast [scapegoat] terrorism suspect Dr Mohamed Haneef says he is worried a Government-ordered inquiry into the case will be a waste of time and money.

It is believed that Australian Federal Police Commissioner Mick Keelty and former immigration minister Kevin Andrews will neither give evidence in public nor face cross-examination during the inquiry which is due to begin next week.

Peter Russo says he is concerned that the full facts about last year's bungled prosecution might not be revealed.

"The problem is that the inquiry should be able to get to the truth, but without having proper coercive powers there is some difficulty in the inquiry getting to the bottom of why Mohamed was first of all detained, and what information the AFP were in possession of," he said.

Related:

Haneef: The Interrogation.

Genre
Theatre
Location
Carlton Courthouse
Address
349 Drummond St, Carlton
Date
16 April 2008 to 3 May 2008
Phone Bookings
(03) 9347 6142

There is little moralising; the real villain is the legislation itself.

Someone must have been telling lies about Dr Mohamed Haneef, because without having done anything wrong he was arrested one fine evening.

OK, so you have heard the Kafka line 100 times before, but as Graham Pitts' play about the Haneef affair suggests, there is an uncanny and disturbing correspondence between Dr Haneef's detention by Australian Federal Police in Brisbane in July 2007, and that of Joseph K. in Kafka's The Trial.

As it is, what is on trial in Haneef: the Interrogation is not so much Haneef or the police, but the anti-terrorism legislation that allowed and facilitated his arrest in the first place.

Pitts has based his play on the transcripts of more than 6000 questions asked of Dr Haneef during his detainment on suspicion of assisting a terrorist organisation. There are two basic roles, that of Haneef (Adam McConvell) and his interrogator (Simon King), and both actors demonstrate a fine commitment to the understandably wordy script.

Pitts uses the transcripts verbatim, but he injects a further dimension into the play by having the actors periodically step out of character to comment on the action, and the frequent absurdity of their discourse.

These shifts in tone and perspective bring fresh insights, though not all are successfully executed. The first transition, in particular, is difficult to bring off, especially as the audience is not expecting it. This feature will no doubt improve, however, as the actors settle into the rhythms of the play and their multiple roles.

This production makes simple but effective gestures to interrogation, with chairs, naked light bulbs, and closed-circuit TV projections dominating.

The director, Gorkem Acarolgu, toys with the audience at times, but ensures that absurdity and indignation go hand in hand with anxiety and uncertainty, just as in Kafka.

Pitts has edited the transcripts carefully, allowing the characters of the interlocutors to develop. Our sympathies are pushed towards Haneef, with a few jokes generated from dim-witted questions by the interrogator.

Yet like the complex treatment of interviewing detainees in Theatre du Soleil's Le Dernier Caravanserail (seen here in 2005), the play is careful not to over-simplify, nor to belittle the policemen who, after all, are just doing their jobs. There is little moralising; the real villain is the legislation itself.

Haneef tickets going fast, writer to speak

The Civil Rights Defence tickets for 'Haneef: the interrogation' are going fast.

The writer, Graham Pitts, has agreed to give a forum at the end of the
performance! Graham is a great raconteur. The La Mama bar will also be open

To reserve a ticket email:
tebbutt.john@gmail.com

The tickets are $20. The event is a CRD fundraiser.

Tickets can be picked up & paid for at the New International Bookshop (see
below)

Performance details:
Friday, May 2nd, 6.30 (no late entries)
La Mama Carlton Courthouse,
Drummond St (nr the cnr of Elgin).
Pick up and pay at:
New International Bookshop in Trades Hall Building
54 Victoria St (cnr of Lygon St) Carlton, 9662 3744.
They only accept cash.
Opening Hours:
Tuesday-Friday: 12pm-7pm
Saturday: 12.30pm-5pm
Call to confirm late opening
Closed Sunday & Monday

Haneef's lawyer says inquiry is weak
The inquiry into Australian authorities' handling of the Mohamed Haneef case needs stronger powers to avoid becoming a "toothless tiger", the former terror suspect's lawyer says.

Push for overhaul of laws on terrorism
Anti-terrorism laws are just 'state sanctioned terrorism' aimed at 'innocent people' and using them as 'scapegoats' for Australia's 'alleged war on terror'. These laws were meant to project 'fear' in the community that we somehow need to be protected so that the government can wage war on innocent people for resources around the world unchallenged.

Hicks media gag order ends
As part of the deal, he was also banned from speaking to the media after his release in December 2007.

Habib mistreated but not in Aussie embassy
There was little doubt that Mamdouh Habib was badly mistreated after he was detained by Pakistani and US authorities in the wake of the September 11 attacks and no doubt whatsoever that he was taken to Egypt against his will, a Federal Court judge has found.

ASIO, police don't trust each other, report finds
A LACK of trust between the Australian Federal Police and ASIO has hindered co-operation between the anti-terrorism agencies, a report commissioned after the collapsed prosecution of the Sydney doctor Izhar ul-Haque has found.

Secret policemen's bill: $7.5m
Mr McClelland separately ruled out compensating or apologising to the Sydney medical student Izhar Ul-Haque, who a Supreme Court judge said had been kidnapped by ASIO officers. The conduct of ASIO in the case of Mr ul-Haque, who was cleared of terrorism charges, is being reviewed by the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, Ian Carnell.

Tough police powers outlive APEC
CONTROVERSIAL powers granted to NSW police during last year's APEC summit are likely to be made permanent - or at least available to police for any special event - under a proposal to be taken to state cabinet.

Faheem Lodhi - another non-terrorist jailed under Australia's 'anti-terror' laws?
Jack Thomas, a non-terrorist, has been jailed under Australia's anti-terror laws. Now Faheem Lodhi has been convicted under the terror laws on flimsy, circumstantial evidence. It is likely he is another non-terrorist jailed for political purposes under the terror laws.