The US military trial of Guantanamo Bay detainee David Hicks begins tonight (Australian time), where it is expected he will use the opportunity to make a statement to the tribunal. When Hicks first appeared before a US military commission in August 2004, he uttered just one sentence: "Sir, to all charges, not guilty". But this time, his Australian lawyer, David McLeod, says he expects the South Australian to make a lengthier statement. "It's likely that now David's been in prison for quite a long time, he might have a few things to say about the process," Mr McLeod said. "He is certainly more focused on this proceeding." This will be the first test of the new military commission structure after the original system was struck down by the US Supreme Court.More at link