A rogue Afghan soldier who murdered three Australian personnel he was serving with in 2012 looks set to be moved to Qatar ahead of peace talks between the Taliban and Afghanistan.
The Government of Afghanistan has now released thousands of inmates as part of a prisoner swap demanded by the Taliban as a precondition for talks due to start soon in Qatar's capital, Doha.
Around six prisoners responsible for attacks on Coalition troops or civilians from overseas remain in custody because of pressure from Western nations, including France and Australia.
The ABC has been told that former Afghan National Army sergeant turned Taliban member Hekmatullah — who killed Lance Corporal Stjepan "Rick" Milosevic, Private Robert Poate and Sapper James Martin in an insider attack — is among that small group.
Afghan media outlet Tolo News reported that the group would soon be transferred to Qatar "where they will be put under monitoring".
It's expected the prisoners will be placed under house arrest or some form of detention if they're moved to Doha.
Afghanistan's National Security Council spokesman Javid Faisal confirmed on Twitter that a "few" Taliban fighters remained behind bars.
"The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan has received our commandos held hostage by Taliban, after which the [Government] released the remaining 400 convicts, except the few for which our partners have reservations," he said.
"Diplomatic efforts are ongoing. We expect direct talks to start promptly."
The peace talks have been brokered by the United States, which wants the Taliban to strike a deal with the Government of Afghanistan to stop the country descending into violence.
However, Australia has been pressing both the United States and Afghanistan to keep Hekmatullah behind bars, arguing his release would cause immense distress for the families of the Australian soldiers killed in 2012.
The ABC has been told Prime Minister Scott Morrison again discussed the issue this week with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
The Afghan Office of the National Security Council also told the ABC's 7.30 that Hekmatullah would not be released "without the consent of the Australian Government and the victims' families".
The families of the Australian soldiers who were murdered have expressed anger at the prospect of Hekmatullah's release.
Kelly Walton, the partner of Lance Corporal Milosevic, told the ABC that news of the Afghan's imminent departure to Qatar "leaves the families of Hekmatullah's victims with more questions".
"Some clarification from the government on exactly what these developments mean and what his future holds would be appreciated," she said.
