Howard aides linked to Habib rendition

[Swagman]

OFFICIALS who worked under the then Prime Minister, John Howard, were ''directly involved in decision-making'' about the arrest and rendition to Egypt of the terrorism suspect Mamdouh Habib, a top-level inquiry into the affair has found.

The Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, Vivienne Thom, who is heading the inquiry, also acknowledged she is investigating officers from the department of the former attorney-general, Philip Ruddock, about Mr Habib's treatment.

The inquiry, ordered by the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, late last year, was initially to investigate what Australian agencies - including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and ASIO - knew about Mr Habib's rendition in 2001 and subsequent torture.


But in her 2010-11 annual report tabled last week, Dr Thom revealed that part-way through the investigation she asked Ms Gillard for permission to widen to the inquiry because, ''It became apparent to me that officers from the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Attorney-General's Department were also directly involved in decision-making at the time.''

http://www.smh.com.au/national/howard-aides-linked-to-habib-rendition-20111015-1lq8a.html

[pmorlan1]

1. K & R

Not surprising but nice to see in print.

[Vincent2010]

2. Mamdouh Habib, Australian consular matter, Australian citizenship denial, rendition

Vivienne Thom should have all non-redacted correspondence from
and to the Australian High Commission, Islamabad, at the time
of Mr Habib's arrest, made available to the inquiry.

An Australian citizen arrested overseas, no matter what
accusations, is entitled to correct consular assistance from
their government representatives based overseas.  

It would appear Mr Habib's rendition was calculated and
assisted, maybe by those at post who would have known better.