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New report: Australian military personnel allegedly committed war crimes while deployed to Afghanistan.
Because it is? According to an investigative report, Australian soldiers have committed war crimes while serving in Afghanistan. 25 members of a special unit had “illegally” killed at least 39 civilians and prisoners, including young people. Some superiors are said to have known. This is what the Chief of the Armed Forces, Angus Campbell, said in Canberra when publishing a report on the behavior of Australian soldiers in the war in Afghanistan.
What are the accusations? The details are secret. However, according to media reports, civilians who surrendered and who had nothing to do with the Taliban were victims. It was also common practice for group leaders and companions to instigate new soldiers in elite teams to kill a prisoner as an introduction to force.
Inspector General Angus Campbell said the report’s results indicated “serious violations” of military conduct and professional values.
Reuters
Evidence was found showing that the soldiers tried to cover up the crimes. They have placed weapons, radios and grenades next to the bodies of Afghan civilians to make them look like “enemies killed in battle”. This is a prime example of “self-centered warrior culture” in the military, Campbell said. If these accusations are correct, they would be a war crime.
How does the public react? Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison had prepared his compatriots last week for what would be in the report. He said that difficult and brutal truths would come to light. With this early warning, the impact is not as great as it could have been otherwise.
The report is generally well received by experts, lawyers, and members of the military. Army Chief Campbell was also happy with this investigation. You are satisfied with it, even if you are shocked by the details in that part that is not accessible to the public.
Why is the report appearing now? “It’s very simple: public pressure,” says Australian correspondent Urs Wältin. Reports of misconduct became more common. There were complainants who recounted how some elite troops had treated prisoners cruelly. Apparently, the cameras on the soldiers’ helmets played an important role. These films showed something terrible: “I remember a scene in which a soldier shot and killed a young man who had fled in cold blood to a field on the outskirts of a village, although he had surrendered and begged for his life.”
Parts of the report will not be made public. But what is known is disturbing.
Reuters
Whats Next? The matter has been referred to the Federal Police for criminal investigation. If convicted, the 19 men face life in prison for murder or 25 years in prison for the so-called cruel treatment of prisoners and civilians. In addition, the victims and their families will be compensated.
Campbell apologized to the Afghan people “for any crime committed by the Australian soldiers.” The head of the Defense Forces said he “will work with the Afghan government as soon as possible” to develop a compensation plan.
