Sydney, Australia (CNN) -- The Australian government has agreed to deport an American citizen to face murder charges back home after it was assured that the United States will not seek the death penalty, immigration officials said.
Gabe Watson was convicted of manslaughter in the death of his new wife during a scuba diving trip off Queensland in 2003. He finished his 18-month prison sentence last week and is being held in immigration detention.
"The Australian government has received assurances from the U.S. government that should Mr. Watson be removed to the U.S., the death penalty would not be sought, imposed or carried out," said Sandi Logan, a spokesman for the Australian Department of Immigration & Citizenship.
"We have informed Mr. Watson and his legal representatives of this assurance. We are now satisfied that our international obligations have been met and are commencing plans for Mr. Watson's removal," he added.
Australia has a long-standing extradition treaty with the United States that prevents extradition if a person being charged could possibly face the death penalty.
Watson was dubbed "The Honeymoon Killer" by the Australian media after the death of his wife, Tina, during a trip to the Great Barrier Reef.
CNN
