‘Head held high’: Whistleblower released from prison
Lucinda Garbutt-Young |
Whistleblower David McBride has been released from a Canberra prison after more than two years behind bars following a successful parole bid.
His parole was considered and granted by Attorney-General Michelle Rowland on Thursday morning, a spokesperson confirmed to AAP.
“The government does not provide specific commentary or details about individual parole matters,” the spokesperson said.
The former army lawyer was sentenced to a maximum of five years and eight months in jail in May 2024 after he helped steal secret defence documents about the Afghanistan war. He then leaked them to the media.
McBride served his full non-parole period of 27 months and was granted release the same morning he became eligible for it.
AAP understands he left the Alexander Maconochie Centre in Canberra early Thursday morning and is expected to spend private time with his family.
McBride had been “brave” in blowing the whistle on war crimes, Whistleblower Justice Fund founder and former senator Rex Patrick said.
“It’s so good to see the end of an awful saga that should never have happened. I salute David who walks away from prison with his head held high,” he said.
McBride aimed to expose intense investigation of Australian soldiers in Afghanistan, but it was revealed soon after that soldiers had been involved in illegal killings while on the front lines.
He pleaded guilty to three charges, including theft.
The ACT Supreme Court upheld a Commonwealth intervention to withhold evidence that the government argued had the potential to jeopardise Australia’s security.
McBride will be allowed to serve the last three years of his sentence in the community under supervision and strict conditions.
It is understood he will not front media on Thursday.
The ACT Justice and Community Safety Directorate, which oversaw the details of McBride’s release, has been contacted for comment.
AAP