| Australia is negotiating with the United States over the fate of 26-year-old David Hicks, captured with al Qaeda forces. The US has indicated it would hand over Hicks, a former poultry chicken plucker and recent convert to Islam, only if it was satisfied he would be dealt with severely. Among the potential charges are treason, which in Australia carries a maximum life prison sentence. Legal experts said he could also face murder charges in the US if a link to the September 11 terrorist attacks was alleged. After being caught by Northern Alliance forces three days ago, Hicks has been in the custody of US troops and undergoing interrogation. His capture comes less than a fortnight after Jihad Johnny Walker was discovered fighting with Taliban forces. |