Terrorism victim speaks out against Hicks

Dave 'Spike' Stewart, whose son Anthony died in the 2002 Bali bombing, has no doubt what the future should hold for terrorist David Hicks.

- as reported in the Herald Sun, 1/4/2007

David Hicks is a terrorist. He should rot in Guantanamo Bay and never be returned to Australian soil and given the comforts of a society he opposed. The word traitor describes him. He wanted to fight against Australians and destroy western culture. He has confirmed he trained with and supported terrorists. Hicks was not behind the Bali 2002 bombings that killed my son, Anthony, and 87 other Australians. But his terrorist mates killed 202 and injured 209 innocent people in the Sari Club and Paddy's Bar in Kuta. I speak for the people who have lost their lives in the Bali bombings and terrorist attacks elsewhere when I say these mongrels give up their rights when they pledge themselves to terrorist networks. Hicks's sentence announced yesterday - under which he will be back in Australia by May 29 and could be free by the end of this year - is a slap in the face for every terror victim and every Australian. He has effectively been given a six year sentence for treason of the highest order. That is a betrayal of Australians. Bringing Hicks home to serve his sentence sends a message to other local would-be terrorists-if caught they will serve time at home and it won't be too bad. They may even think that being a convicted criminal will bring them rewards beyond having the Government paying for their food and lodgings. News that lawyers are trying to work out a $1 million deal for Hicks to "tell his story" also could encourage others. I am sick of the do-gooders - people such as those who ring talkback, saying they would invite Hicks into their homes. I would invite him, but he would not leave. Would the people on the "free David Hicks" bandwagon think the same way if they had lost a loved one, or loved ones, in a terrorist attack? The Federal Government paid $300,000 for legal assistance for Hicks. He should be made to pay it back. I paid taxes all my working life. I now receive a $250-a-week pension. I used to be a driver, but after losing two sons - Rodney in 1997 and his twin, Anthony, in Bali -it became too hard. I never received a cent from the Government for losing Anthony - not that any price could be put on his life, but it is the principle that counts. Hicks probably will be paid by the Government while in prison in australia. And he may be let out at weekends. Some people are trying to make a martyr out of him and if we're not careful he will become more famous than Paul Hogan.