David Hicks Profile Released by WikiLeaks

When al-Qaeda's No 3 man Mohammed Atef met David Hicks, he spoke to him about becoming a martyr but Hicks was quick to point out that he was not prepared to die for the cause. So says WikiLeaks who released 800 secret US documents yesterday which included David Hicks' profile. They also said that Hicks was a combat hardened al-Qaeda fighter who showed great promise for leadership and if released from custody, would seek a career as a mercenary.

Three years after his capture his profile reads: "The detainee's truthfulness is low and he is likely to have information regarding terrorist operations and tactics," and "his involvement and training ... make him a highly skilled combatant, as well as a valuable asset and possible leader." The profile gave several reasons why Hicks should not be released, including his knowledge of entry and exit points in Afghanistan, his involvement with al-Qaeda leadership and the fact he actively sought out extremist organisations to serve with.

Even though the Americans wrote that David Hicks "poses a high risk significant threat to the US and allies" after negotiations between US and Australian governments, he was returned to Australia in 2007 and allowed to serve out the final nine months of a seven year sentence imposed by the US for providing material support for terrorism.

David Hicks has always denied involvement in terrorism but to secure his release, he pleaded guilty to "providing material support for terrorism".