Police step up harassment of Habib

Over the last few weeks, the family of Mamdouh Habib, former Guantanamo Bay prisoner and independent candidate for the seat of Auburn in the NSW state election, has been subjected to greater police harassment.

Mamdouh's son Mustapha Habib has been stopped twice in two weeks for no obvious reason. On March 9, police stopped his car, and when Mustapha approached the police and began to speak to the officers, the police car took off without warning, hitting Mustapha in the leg.

On March 18, when Mamdouh, his wife and several supporters were campaigning in Auburn Road, they were approached by a stranger who abused and threatened them. When the incident was reported to local police they refused to take any action. They also refused to take witness statements.

Habib's election campaign has sought to raise problems concerning excessive policing, cuts to services and other so-called "law and order" issues. He has campaigned against the Labor and Liberal push to victimise and criminalise young people.

"The real problems facing our young people are ignored. Young people need employment and education opportunities, and the chance to play a positive role in our communities, with no racism and harassment", Habib said.

From GLW issue 704