A Taliban fighter with an Irish passport is due to be released from a prison early for good behaviour.

John Walker Lindh, 38, was captured by American forces in Afghanistan in November 2001 and was subsequently given a 20 year jail sentence in 2002, but he will be released in May after serving 17 years.

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Lindh grew up in America, but dropped out of school near California when he was 17 and in 1998 he travelled to Yemen to learn Arabic.

By the time he was 20 he was in Afghanistan training with Taliban fighters and even met Osama bin Laden before he was captured, according to information he provided to the FBI.

While in prison, Lindh applied for Irish citizenship, as his grandmother was born in Donegal, and revealed that he planned to move here once he was released.

He previously told advocacy-group CAGE: ‘Regarding the Ireland issue, I really don’t know what to expect from the Irish government.

‘I know virtually nothing about them. I think the only reasonable way to present my case to them is to explain my unique circumstances that make my survival in the US practically impossible.

‘Essentially I am seeking asylum from one country where I am a citizen in another country where I am also a citizen. The worst they can do is to decline my request. I figure it is worth at least trying.’

As part of the terms of his early release from prison, it is understood that Lindh will not be able to immediately travel to Ireland once he is released on May 23.

He will need to serve out a three year probation in the US, during which his internet use and movements will be restricted and monitored.

Lindh’s early release has been opposed by the likes of US President Donald Trump.

Extra.ie has contacted the Department of Defence to clarify whether Mr Lindh will be able to travel to Ireland once his probation in the US has ended.

It is possible that he could be refused entry to Ireland under Passport Act 2008, but it is also possible that refusal would breach Article 21 (1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union which allows EU citizens to travel freely between member states.