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'Aussie Taliban' Hicks set free after serving sentence

Former Guantanamo Bay inmate David Hicks walked free from an Australian jail after completing a sentence for supporting terrorism yesterday, vowing not to let down those who got him home.

More than six years after he was captured in Afghanistan, the so-called "Aussie Taliban" was escorted from Adelaide's maximum security Yalata jail past a media throng broadcasting live images of his release.

It was the public's first chance to see the 32-year-old former Muslim convert, who remains the only detainee held at the controversial Guantanamo Bay military base in Cuba to be convicted on terrorism charges.

Appearing chubbier than in photos taken before his capture in late 2001, a smiling Hicks met supporters and was immediately driven to an undisclosed location.

Hicks' lawyer David McLeod read a statement on his behalf which said he was looking forward to "quiet time" with his family and friends.

He also asked to be left alone to make a "slow and gentle" transition to freedom.

"I will need time to adjust to society and receive medical care for the consequences of five-and-a-half years in Guantanamo Bay," he said.

Hicks thanked his family and friends, the lawyers and human rights groups that waged a lengthy campaign on his behalf, and credited the media with bringing his plight to the public's attention.

"I would like to acknowledge the huge debt of gratitude that I owe the Australian public for getting me home, I will not forget or let you down," the statement said.

"I had hoped to be able to speak to the media but I am just not strong enough at the moment, it's as simple as that," it said.

Hicks' father Terry said during the week that his son would apologize for the inconvenience he had caused Australians, but told reporters outside the prison that it was not necessary to say sorry.

"David's done five-and-a-half years pretty tough, David has done his time," Terry Hicks said.
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