Media Release: Dr Haneef's Lawyer Launches Terrorism Laws Guide
Thursday, 17 July 2008
MEDIA
RELEASE: Dr Haneef's Lawyer Launches Terrorism Laws Guide in
community languages
SYDNEY,
17 July 2008 – Dr Haneef’s lawyer Peter Russo is today
launching a Terrorism Laws guide in English and three community languages:
Arabic, Bahasa Indonesia and Urdu.
The
series of publications is now in its third edition, titled Anti-Terrorism
Laws: ASIO, the Police and You, produced by the Australian Muslim Civil
Rights Advocacy Network (AMCRAN). The series is a practical guide to
people's rights and responsibilities under Australia’s counter-terrorism laws.
“This
booklet provides an excellent ready reckoner for Australian citizens who come
to deal with law enforcement agencies,” said Mr Peter Russo. “I hope, by
the awareness it creates, it will assist to redress the imbalance which often
occurs when the individual is faced with the might of the executive.”
Other
guest speakers at the launch today include Ms Marika Dias of the Federation of
Community Legal Centres (Vic) Inc., and Dr Zachariah Mathews of the Australian
Islamic Mission and who is a board member of AMCRAN.
Ms Marika
Dias also acknowledged the significance of the publication: “In the context
of the 'war on terror', we have seen the introduction of a raft of
anti-democratic laws and coercive powers,” said Ms Dias. "We have also
seen the targeting of certain ethnic and religious communities by law
enforcement and intelligence gathering agencies. That's why a booklet like ASIO,
the Police and You is such an important community resource.”
Dr Zachariah
Matthews said: “Recent events such as Dr Haneef's detention and the
findings that ASIO officers acted improperly in detaining and questioning Izhar
Ul-Haque show the terrorism laws are open to abuse of power.AMCRAN encourages
Muslims in particular and all Australians to know and assert their legal, civil
and political rights.”
Guest
speakers will be available for media interviews via telephone from 9 am to 10
am, and in person after formal proceedings from 11:30 am.
