Australian soldier killer could be released

Afghanistan says murderer of three soldiers won't be released without Australia's consent. Hekmatullah murdered three Australian soldiers while serving as a sergeant in the Afghan National Army (ABC News). He pleaded guilty to his crimes and was convicted of murder, grievous bodily harm, treason and involvement and liaison with a terrorist organisation. He was convicted and sentenced to death in December 2013. However, he could be released from jail under a prisoner exchange deal between the US Government and the Taliban.

Sapper James Martin, Lance Corporal Stjepan "Rick" Milosevic and Private Robert Poate were killed by Hekmatullah in 2012. (Supplied: Australian Defence Force