David Hicks gag order expires

Hicks (green shirt) was freed in December

A gag order imposed on the only Guantanamo Bay inmate convicted of terrorism offences, the Australian David Hicks, has expired.

Hicks was captured with Taleban forces in Afghanistan in 2001 and spent five years in Guantanamo Bay before pleading guilty to supporting terrorism.

He was sent back to Australia to complete a nine month jail term.

Hicks has been inundated with offers to tell his story but his lawyer says no deal has yet been reached.

The US authorities barred Hicks from speaking to the media.

His would certainly be a compelling account about the privations of life at Guantanamo Bay.

The former detainee has alleged in the past that he was tortured during his years in custody.

If and when Hicks does decide to speak publicly about his experiences, Australian law would prevent him from receiving payment for interviews.

'Emotionally fragile'

Last year David Hicks pleaded guilty to providing material support for terrorism.

Under a deal with prosecutors he was transferred from Guantanamo Bay to an Australian jail, from where he was released at the end of December. The US military ordered that he not be allowed to speak to the press but those restrictions have now expired.

Supporters of the 32-year-old former kangaroo hunter have urged him to publicly explain his reasons for travelling to Afghanistan, where he was detained after the September 11 attacks in New York and Washington.

Those close to the former prisoner have said he remains emotionally fragile and lacking in confidence, so the world may well have to wait a while longer before it hears his story.

Under conditions imposed by a magistrate David Hicks must report to Australian police twice a week and is subject to a night-time curfew.