David Hicks

Nationality: Australian

David Hicks, a 32-year-old Australian, is the only person to have been convicted by the US military commissions. He pleaded guilty in April 2007 to one count of providing material support for terrorism and was sentenced to nine months in prison. He served his sentence in his native Australia.

Hicks told his lawyers that he was mistreated by US forces in Afghanistan prior to his transfer to Guantanamo, saying he was beaten, made to endure prolonged sleep deprivation, and forced to take unidentified medication.

Human Rights Watch Commentary:

• Jennifer Daskal commentary, “Spring Break in Guantanamo,” The Huffington Post, April 2, 2007


• Jennifer Daskal op-ed, “This Was a Trial?” International Herald Tribune, April 1, 2007


• Human Rights Watch press release, “US: Stop the Guantanamo Circus,” March 27, 2007


• Human Rights Watch press release, “US: Transfer Hicks to Federal Court,” March 26, 2007

Military Commissions Documents:

• General Information Page


• Sworn Charges – February 2, 2007


• Referred Charges – March 1, 2007