I WRITE to highlight the reaction to the release of the Asian men who have been held in detention without trial at Guantanamo Bay.

The Press, particularly the Murdoch tabloids appear to have convicted and sentenced these young men.

And, how dare they, they have even hinted that they may be seeking monetary redress from us, the tax payer.

Now I have no view either one way or the other at this stage, as to the guilt or innocence of these men.

Why? Because no evidence has been forthcoming, so along with millions of other tax payers, I will have to pay for something over which I have no control.

We had hints and press releases from various sources. Massive use has been made of the Official Secrets Act to put a cloak over the whole matter by our two democratic friends, A Nonymouse Sorce and S Pokesman.

Why is this important to us, every one of us? Because if a foreign government, aided by our own government either by intention, omission, or fear of reaction, is allowed to lock people up without recourse to the legal system, then nobody is safe, if you happen to be on holiday in an unpopular country at the wrong time.

The trouble with paranoia is that it feeds upon itself, rumour becomes fact and following the 9/11 situation this government and the Americans allegedly lacked intelligence and this provoked a barrage reaction, instead of rational, directed policy.

This, I believe, has led to the abuses of power, proving the false facade of our democracy.

Where were the keepers of the flame, our legal stalwarts. The silence has been deafening.

'Had an accident over the last three years sir, we will sue the pants off them.'

'No, but I've been locked up in a foreign, friendly country in chains for the last three years, without recourse to legal advice.' 'Not interested sir.'

D D'ARCY, Haslingden Old Road, Knuzden, Blackburn.