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Attorney-General Philip Ruddock has rejected suggestions that the Government had been privy to the plea negotiations involving David Hicks

Attorney-General Philip Ruddock has rejected suggestions that the Government had been privy to the plea negotiations involving David Hicks (ABC TV)

Ruddock denies fixing Hicks plea

Attorney-General Philip Ruddock has rejected claims that David Hicks's plea bargain came as part of a political deal between Australia and the United States.

Last week, Guantanamo Bay detainee Hicks pleaded guilty to a terrorism charge and was sentenced to seven years' jail, which was suspended to just nine months in a plea bargain.

The remainder of his sentence will be served in an Australian prison and he could be released by the end of the year.

Mr Ruddock rejected suggestions that the Government had been privy to the plea negotiations.

"I wasn't advised about the specifics," he said.

"I was aware that there were discussions because some issues that they were discussing required clarification as to what Australian law might impact on Hicks when he returns."




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