Australia's most wanted terrorist could be released from prison

Australia’s most wanted terrorist could be free from custody in Turkey.

Lawyer Mehmet Alper Unver said Thursday that Australian Neil Prakash could be freed from Turkish custody if the court ascertains that he isn’t under investigation for other crimes.

Unver also said Australia’s request for the extradition of the Islamic State suspect has been rejected.

But he said that the prosecution, which argued for Prakash’s extradition, had the right to appeal the verdict.

The suspected IS recruiter has been in custody near the border with Syria since 2016, after he attempted to enter Turkey with false documents.

The former rapper from Melbourne had featured in IS videos, has been linked to several attack plans in Australia and has urged lone wolf attacks against the United States.

He faces a potential life sentence if convicted in Australia of terrorism offenses.

Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop has expressed disappointment at the Turkish court’s decision.

Ms Bishop said Australia was “disappointed” by the decision of the Kilis Criminal Court.

“We will continue to engage with Turkish authorities as they consider whether to appeal the extradition decision,” she said in a statement on Friday.