Guantanamo captive Hicks free

Australian David Hicks, a former kangaroo skinner who was the only person convicted on terrorism charges at a US military tribunal at Guantanamo Bay, is free after more than six years behind bars.

The 32-year-old was released from prison in his home town of Adelaide after completing a nine-month sentence under a plea deal that followed more than five years’ detention in Cuba without trial by the US.

The former Muslim convert who has now renounced the faith was captured in Afghanistan in late 2001.

Under the deal, Hicks was returned to Australia to serve his time and agreed to remain silent about any alleged abuse while in custody and also forfeited any right to appeal against his conviction.

He has also agreed not to speak to the media until March next year.