Hicks 'won't tell story until he recovers'

Former Guantanamo Bay prisoner David Hicks has no intention of speaking about his experience in the near future, his lawyer says.

Mr Hicks is now free to tell his story after a Federal Police control order expired on the weekend.

But lawyer David McLeod says his client will not speak publicly until he recovers physically and mentally from his time at Guantanamo Bay.

"Those that have just been released have been discussing it as hell on Earth and things like that," he said.

"It's very much the case that it's been a very traumatic experience for him and irrespective of what led him there, the fact is that it's taking a long time for him to recover."

Mr McLeod says Mr Hicks needs to focus on positive goals for the future.

"Someone who's been locked up for a long period of time and very close quarters, then being subjected to an intrusive control order regime hasn't given him the positive outcome that he was hoping for," he said.

"It's hoped that he will now be able to focus on positive goals rather than the negative surroundings that he's been subjected to."

Related:

David Hicks breaks his silence
The [framed ex-prisoner] says he is very worried that the controversial control order obtained by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to restrict his activities may be extended.