SYDNEY (AFX) - Alleged Australian terrorist Mamdouh Habib, accused of aiding the al-Qaeda terrorist network, is to be released by US authorities from Guantanamo Bay and flown home as soon as possible, Australian Attorney General Philip Ruddock said.
Ruddock said Habib is being repatriated at the government's request and will unlikely be charged under Australian laws.
"The United States considers Mr. Habib to be an enemy combatant who has been detained in accordance with the laws of war," Ruddock told reporters in Sydney.
He said Habib remains of interest in a security context because of his former associations and activities, but the US government has advised it does not intend to bring charges against him.
He said Canberra has requested his repatriation to Australia and the US has agreed to the request.
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Ruddock said Habib is being repatriated at the government's request and will unlikely be charged under Australian laws.
"The United States considers Mr. Habib to be an enemy combatant who has been detained in accordance with the laws of war," Ruddock told reporters in Sydney.
He said Habib remains of interest in a security context because of his former associations and activities, but the US government has advised it does not intend to bring charges against him.
He said Canberra has requested his repatriation to Australia and the US has agreed to the request.
jt/mp/net
For more information and to contact AFX: www.afxnews.com and www.afxpress.com
© 2005 AFX News
