NSW:Family fears al-Qaeda suspect may have been tortured: lawyer

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NSW:Family fears al-Qaeda suspect may have been tortured: lawyer

The family of a Sydney man accused of training with the al-Qaeda terrorist networkfears he may have been tortured during six months of detention.

Lawyer STEPHEN HOPPER says family members have been denied contact with MAMDOUH HABIBwho was arrested in Pakistan in early October and is being held by US forces in Afghanistan.

Mr HOPPER says Mr HABIB's family is aware of reports that other detainees capturedin the US-led war against terrorism have been tortured.

They are particularly concerned about the time 46-year-old Mr HABIB spent in Egypt,where he was questioned after his arrest.

While there's no evidence to suggest Mr HABIB has been tortured, his family is extremelyanxious about his welfare.

AAP RTV tnf/arb/jas/rp

KEYWORD: TERROR HABIB TORTURE (SYDNEY)