Australian citizen, Tallaal Adrey, 30 years old, is currently being detained in Kuwait City.

The former resident of Auburn Sydney and father of four children, of which two are disabled, was arrested at gun point on February 14, 2005 and accused of joining a terrorist organisation.

Mr. Adrey holds dual citizenship and it alleged that he was denied access to consular officials.

In a letter smuggled out of prison by his mother, Mr. Adrey claims to have been tortured and begged for Australian officials to come to his aid. The Australian government made up to 19 representations to Kuwaiti officials to gain access to Mr. Adrey. Other Australian political parties urged the Australian government to do more.

The Kuwaiti prosecutor has reportedly sought the death penalty in this case, and for thirty-seven others facing similar charges.

A close friend to Mr. Adrey says he fears for the well being of his friend. "His finger as been pulled out and his hands are still seriously swollen from earlier beatings."

Consular officials finally met with Mr Adrey in May 2005 and reported that he was in good health but did display damage to one finger.

There is some concern that Mr Adrey has failed to secure legal assistance from an Australian lawyer and is unable to meet with his Kuwaiti lawyer to outline his ill-treatment.

Democrat Senator Natasha Stott-Despoja said "I think a number of Australians would like to know what's happening with Australian citizens who may be charged with offences or detained in jails around the world, but specifically in relation to the Government's role. So when you have someone like Mr Adrey who has not been able to gain consular access until very recently, they're issues that we have to ask the Australian Government about - issues like whether or not he's had a medical check up, as well as investigating further those claims of torture. That's what we want to find out. What is the Government's perspective, what do they know and what information have they got from him?"

Click here for the Tallaal Adrey Case File