SA: Hicks in hiding after release from custody

AAP General News (Australia)
12-30-2007
SA: Hicks in hiding after release from custody

ADELAIDE, Dec 30 AAP - Confessed terrorism supporter David Hicks remains in hiding
after being released from a maximum security Adelaide jail.

A control order on the 32-year-old commenced immediately on his release from the Yatala
Prison yesterday.

Under the control order conditions, Hicks has to be fingerprinted by South Australian
Police within 24 hours of his release.

Hicks also must abide by a midnight to 6am curfew and is banned from using telephones
or internet servers not preapproved by Australian Federal Police.

Tomorrow, Hicks must attend an Adelaide police station - which the father of two must
do three times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Hicks yesterday pleaded for privacy as he tries to assimilate into society after being
held in custody for six years, including five and a half years detained by the US at Guantanamo
Bay, Cuba.

His lawyer, David McLeod, read a statement from Hicks after his release.

In his statement, Hicks pleaded for the media and public to allow him "breathing space
to get on with my life".

"Right now I am looking forward to some quiet time with my wonderful Dad, my family
and friends," he said.

"I ask that you respect my privacy as I will need time to readjust to society and to
obtain medical care for the consequences of five and a half years at Guantanamo Bay.

"I have been told that my readjustment will be a slow process and should involve a
gentle transition away from the media spotlight."

In March this year, Hicks pleaded guilty to providing material support for terrorism
at a US military hearing at Guantanamo Bay.

He was sentenced to seven years jail, with all but nine months suspended, and was returned
to Australia in May to serve the remainder of the custodial term, which expired yesterday.

AAP sl/cjh/mn

KEYWORD: HICKS DAYLEAD

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