alienation news

Hicks FOI request 'would risk US relations'

The Federal Government says it rejected a freedom of information (FOI) request about communication with the United States over David Hicks because it might damage Australia's relationship with the US.
Mr Hicks has been detained at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba for 18 months, since his capture as an "enemy combatant" in Afghanistan.
He is one of two Australians held in the Guantanamo Bay facility, along with Mamdouh Habib.
The US has put plans for Mr Hicks's trial on hold, pending talks with Australia this week.
Defence Minister Robert Hill says under the FOI act, the Government is not obliged to release the information the Australian newspaper is seeking.
"The point to stress is that this is an ongoing matter and it would be extremely unusual to reveal the ongoing relationship and negotiations between governments whilst that is in fact occurring," he said.