Margot Giblin
Karen (15), who had just missed her bus to school, said of Hicks’ imprisonment: ‘I’m surprised that things like this continue; you’d expect the government to have more control over things’.
Orange Friday No. 3
14.3.07
Cnr Murray/Macquarie Sts. Hobart
8.15 – 8.45
Amnesty International members and supporters were there again on Friday — in greater numbers — to draw attention to David Hicks’ situation.
Their requests are that Hicks be given a fair trial, that the Australian government oppose the use of torture or other ill-treatment and that Guantanamo Bay be closed.
Amnesty intends to stage Orange Fridays until Hicks’ situation is resolved. Many walking past were sympathetic, smiling, greeting the demonstrators and accepting orange ribbons to wear for the day.
Fifteen stopped to sign a petition urging John Howard to bring Hicks home.
‘I just think it’s unfair that he hasn’t had a trial’ added Roger Parkyn, one of the signatories.
Karen (15), who had just missed her bus to school, said of Hicks’ imprisonment: ‘I’m surprised that things like this continue; you’d expect the government to have more control over things’.
Some, clearly unimpressed, gave the Bring Hicks Home banner a wide berth as they passed.
Some people driving past waved, some tooted their support.
One called out ‘He can rot in fucking hell.’
Another, ‘Go Hicksey.’
The demonstrators clearly wish he could.
