Australia finds evidence of war crimes in Afghanistan inquiry
4 years, 1 month ago

Australia finds evidence of war crimes in Afghanistan inquiry

Al Jazeera  

Australia said on Thursday that its special forces were suspected of being responsible for 39 unlawful killings in Afghanistan, as it released a long-awaited report into alleged war crimes committed in the South Asian nation. The report “found there to be credible information to substantiate 23 incidents of alleged unlawful killing of 39 people by 25 Australian special forces personnel predominantly from the Special Air Service Regiment,” Campbell told reporters. In a letter accompanying the inquiry’s report, James Gaynor, the inspector general of the Australian Defence Force, described the nature and extent of the alleged misconduct as “very confronting”, noting there were additional allegations that members of the Australian military had treated people under their control with cruelty. The team “encountered enormous challenges in eliciting truthful disclosures in the closed, closely-bonded and highly compartmentalised Special Forces community,” the report noted in explaining the length of the inquiry.

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History of this topic

Why allegations of war crimes against Australian Defence Force soldiers may never result in charges
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Why allegations of war crimes against Australian Defence Force soldiers may never result in charges

ABC  

The prospect of multiple prosecutions of members of the Australian Defence Force over alleged war crimes in Afghanistan appears dim. In a statement to federal parliament, Mr Marles said: "The allegations which are the subject of the Brereton report are arguably the most serious allegations of Australian war crimes in our history. "We are, like the Brereton report, looking at …

Australia strips senior commanders of military honours over Afghanistan war crimes allegations
3 months, 1 week ago

Australia strips senior commanders of military honours over Afghanistan war crimes allegations

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

Australia strips medals from military commanders over Afghanistan war crime allegations
3 months, 1 week ago

Australia strips medals from military commanders over Afghanistan war crime allegations

Associated Press  

MELBOURNE, Australia — Several serving and former Australian military commanders have been stripped of medals over allegations of war crimes committed during the Afghanistan war, Defense Minister Richard Marles said Thursday. “The allegations which are the subject of the Brereton Report are arguably the most serious allegations of Australian war crimes in our history,” Marles told Parliament. “Had we known …

Australia strips medals from military commanders over Afghanistan war crime allegations
3 months, 1 week ago

Australia strips medals from military commanders over Afghanistan war crime allegations

LA Times  

Defense Minister Richard Marles said Thursday that the claims of misconduct were “arguably the most serious allegations of Australian war crimes in our history.” Several serving and former Australian military commanders have been stripped of medals over allegations of war crimes committed during the Afghanistan war, Defense Minister Richard Marles said Thursday. “The allegations which are the subject of the …

Decorated Australian war veteran unlawfully killed prisoners in Afghanistan, judge says
1 year, 6 months ago

Decorated Australian war veteran unlawfully killed prisoners in Afghanistan, judge says

Associated Press  

SYDNEY — Australia’s most decorated living war veteran unlawfully killed prisoners and committed other war crimes in Afghanistan, a judge ruled Thursday in dismissing the claims by Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith that he was defamed by media. Federal Court Justice Anthony Besanko ruled that the articles published in 2018 were substantially true about a number of war crimes committed …

Australian general says US warns war crime allegations could prevent work with Australia’s SAS
1 year, 6 months ago

Australian general says US warns war crime allegations could prevent work with Australia’s SAS

Associated Press  

CANBERRA, Australia — The United States has warned that allegations of war crimes against Australian soldiers in Afghanistan could prevent U.S. forces from working with Australia’s Special Air Service Regiment, Australia’s defense force chief said on Wednesday. Gen. Angus Campbell told a Senate committee that he received a letter from the U.S. defense attache in Canberra in March 2021 suggesting …

Australian General says U.S. warns war crime allegations could prevent work with Australia's SAS
1 year, 6 months ago

Australian General says U.S. warns war crime allegations could prevent work with Australia's SAS

The Hindu  

The U.S. Government warned that allegations of war crimes against Australian soldiers in Afghanistan could prevent U.S. forces from working with Australia's Special Air Service Regiment, Australia's Defence Force Chief said on May 31. Gen. Angus Campbell told a Senate committee that he received a letter from the U.S. defence attache in Canberra in March 2021 suggesting the elite SAS …

David McBride to face trial this year as Australian Defence Force investigates alleged Afghanistan war crimes
1 year, 8 months ago

David McBride to face trial this year as Australian Defence Force investigates alleged Afghanistan war crimes

ABC  

The man accused of leaking information about Australian soldiers' alleged war crimes in Afghanistan has finally received a trial date, four years after he was charged. Key points: Former military lawyer David McBride will be tried in November He has argued he should be immune from prosecution as he was a whistleblower acting in the public interest The Australian Defence …

Australia charges ex-soldier with murder over Afghan killing
1 year, 9 months ago

Australia charges ex-soldier with murder over Afghan killing

Associated Press  

CANBERRA, Australia — Police have charged the first Australian veteran with murder for a killing in Afghanistan three years after a war crimes investigation found that 19 Australian special forces soldiers could face charges for illegal conduct. Former Special Air Service Regiment trooper Oliver Schulz, 41, was arrested in New South Wales state and charged by police with the war …

Australian soldier removed from secretive anti-terror program over sexual harassment allegations
1 year, 11 months ago

Australian soldier removed from secretive anti-terror program over sexual harassment allegations

ABC  

An Australian special forces soldier has been removed from a secretive multinational operation tracking foreign jihadists after multiple allegations of sexual harassment from other members in the program. Key points: Operation Gallant Phoenix is a multinational operation tracking foreign IS fighters, including those from Australia It is alleged an Australian member of OGP "shoved" his mobile phone up another member's …

Former Australian commando under investigation over 2012 Afghanistan rotation
2 years, 3 months ago

Former Australian commando under investigation over 2012 Afghanistan rotation

ABC  

A former Australian Special Forces commando is a target of a war crimes investigation for the alleged killing of at least one unarmed detainee during a deployment to Afghanistan. Key points: Defence sources have confirmed seven people died during a 2012 operation At the time the dead were listed as Enemy Killed in Action by the soldiers in the raid …

US and Australia accuse Russia of war crimes, as Moscow and Washington expel diplomats
2 years, 9 months ago

US and Australia accuse Russia of war crimes, as Moscow and Washington expel diplomats

ABC  

The United States has assessed that members of Russia's forces have committed war crimes in Ukraine, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says, adding that Washington's conclusion is based on a "careful review" of available information from public and intelligence sources. Key points: The US is tracking and sharing reports about alleged war crimes Russia says it will throw out …

New information into deadliest alleged Afghanistan war crime suggests civilians were killed by Australian special forces to cover tracks
3 years, 6 months ago

New information into deadliest alleged Afghanistan war crime suggests civilians were killed by Australian special forces to cover tracks

ABC  

The ABC brings to light shocking new accounts of the single deadliest alleged war crime committed by Australia's special forces in Afghanistan. ABC Investigations then revealed that two SAS patrol members had witnessed Soldier C kill an unarmed Afghan man in an earlier operation. Please use this form to get in contact with the ABC Investigations team, or if you …

Kabul embassy closure reflects badly on Australia's commitment to Afghanistan
3 years, 6 months ago

Kabul embassy closure reflects badly on Australia's commitment to Afghanistan

ABC  

Despite Australian forces spending most of two decades in Afghanistan, at Tuesday's Coalition parties meeting only one government backbencher questioned the closure of our embassy in Kabul. The opposition said the decision would harm Australia's "ability to deliver and monitor our ongoing development partnership with Afghanistan" and called for interpreters and local staff to be provided quickly with visas. Morrison …

AFP war crimes taskforce boss believed to have left shortly after being appointed
3 years, 6 months ago

AFP war crimes taskforce boss believed to have left shortly after being appointed

ABC  

The head of a special taskforce overseeing federal police investigations of alleged Australian war crimes in Afghanistan is believed to have left his position within months of being appointed last year. Key points: AFP sources say an officer appointed to head a taskforce overseeing war crimes investigations quit his role within months of starting The AFP is refusing to comment …

Australian war crimes and racist fantasies in Afghanistan
4 years ago

Australian war crimes and racist fantasies in Afghanistan

Al Jazeera  

Australians continue to believe they are fighting a good war in Afghanistan, despite mounting evidence to the contrary. Australian officials and commentators tried to present the war crimes as an act of a few “bad apples” just as their American counterparts did with the uncovered torture and murder at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. This normalisation of violence by the …

Australia special forces troops face sack for unlawful killings
4 years ago

Australia special forces troops face sack for unlawful killings

Al Jazeera  

A four-year inquiry released last week found evidence Australian soldiers may have committed war crimes in Afghanistan. Australia has told 13 special forces soldiers that they face dismissal in relation to a report on alleged unlawful killings in Afghanistan, the head of the country’s army said on Friday. A years-long investigation last week reported that Australia’s elite special forces “unlawfully …

Will Respond 'Very Seriously': Australian PM on War Crime Allegations Against its Personnel in Afghanistan
4 years, 1 month ago

Will Respond 'Very Seriously': Australian PM on War Crime Allegations Against its Personnel in Afghanistan

News 18  

Australia will respond ”very seriously” to war crime allegations against its defence personnel, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has assured the people of Afghanistan, a day after a long-awaited military report said the country’s special forces unlawfully killed 39 people in the war-torn nation. Responding to the report during an interview to Sky News here on Friday, Morrison said: ”We will …

Brereton report on Australian war crimes throws light on a culture of secrecy and cover-up
4 years, 1 month ago

Brereton report on Australian war crimes throws light on a culture of secrecy and cover-up

ABC  

In the early days of the Abbott Government, the then minister for immigration and border protection, Scott Morrison, would appear in what is known as the Blue Room at Parliament House to give updates on the new government's Operation Sovereign Borders. "Operation Sovereign Borders is the Government's response to stopping the flow of illegal boat arrivals to Australia that commenced …

SAS soldiers who allegedly murdered innocent civilians could be given a pass from prosecution
4 years, 1 month ago

SAS soldiers who allegedly murdered innocent civilians could be given a pass from prosecution

Daily Mail  

Australian special forces soldiers accused of murdering innocent prisoners and civilians may be given immunity from prosecution if they testify against their senior commanders. Australian special forces soldiers accused of murdering innocent civilians may be given a pass from prosecution if they testify against their senior commanders An Australian soldier is pictured opening fire on a man as he cowers …

Rights group, Afghan envoy want more probes into war crimes
4 years, 1 month ago

Rights group, Afghan envoy want more probes into war crimes

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “It’s important to understand that the elite Australian special …

Australian 'war crimes': Report alleges 39 Afghan civilians murdered
4 years, 1 month ago

Australian 'war crimes': Report alleges 39 Afghan civilians murdered

Daily Mail  

The world has reacted with disgust and anger after a damning inquiry into Australian soldiers in Afghanistan exposed a disturbing litany of alleged war crimes. Major General Paul Brereton's investigation took four and a half years to scrutinise the conduct of special forces soldiers between 2005 and 2016 Prime Minister Scott Morrison had called Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's office earlier …

Report finds Australian troops unlawfully killed 39 Afghans
4 years, 1 month ago

Report finds Australian troops unlawfully killed 39 Afghans

Associated Press  

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — A shocking Australian military report into war crimes has found evidence that elite Australian troops unlawfully killed 39 Afghan prisoners, farmers and civilians. Australian Defence Force Chief Gen. Angus Campbell said Thursday the shameful record included alleged instances in which new patrol members would shoot a prisoner in order to achieve their first kill in a …

Afghanistan war crimes report released by Defence Chief Angus Campbell includes evidence of 39 murders by special forces
4 years, 1 month ago

Afghanistan war crimes report released by Defence Chief Angus Campbell includes evidence of 39 murders by special forces

ABC  

A culture of secrecy, fabrication and deceit has cast a heavy shadow over the legacy of the Australian special forces deployment in Afghanistan, with a landmark inquiry recommending 19 soldiers be investigated by police for the "murder" of 39 prisoners and civilians, and the cruel treatment of two others. Key points: The IGADF report found junior soldiers were encouraged to …

Australian Special Forces Unlawfully Killed 39 In Afghanistan, New Report Says
4 years, 1 month ago

Australian Special Forces Unlawfully Killed 39 In Afghanistan, New Report Says

NPR  

Australian Special Forces Unlawfully Killed 39 In Afghanistan, New Report Says Enlarge this image toggle caption Quinn Rooney/Getty Images Quinn Rooney/Getty Images Members of the Australian special forces allegedly killed 39 people during operations in Afghanistan in violation of international law, according to the findings of a long-awaited report. The findings showcase a "disgraceful and a profound betrayal of the …

ADF Chief Angus Campbell offers apology in wake of Afghanistan war crimes report. Read his speech in full
4 years, 1 month ago

ADF Chief Angus Campbell offers apology in wake of Afghanistan war crimes report. Read his speech in full

ABC  

ADF Chief Angus Campbell has released the findings of a long-awaited report into allegations of war crimes carried out by Australian soldiers in Afghanistan. Today, the Australian Defence Force is rightly held to account for allegations of grave misconduct by some members of our special forces community during operations in Afghanistan. Before turning to the Inspector-General's report, it's important to …

What war crimes did Australian soldiers commit in Afghanistan and will anyone go to jail?
4 years, 1 month ago

What war crimes did Australian soldiers commit in Afghanistan and will anyone go to jail?

ABC  

A landmark investigation has found "credible information" Australian soldiers murdered innocent civilians during the conflict in Afghanistan. Justice Brereton said he received enough information to say 19 Australian soldiers had illegally killed 39 people and "cruelly treated" another two. "War crimes" are outlined in section 268 of the Commonwealth Criminal Code They include offences such as wilful killing, torture, inhumane …

Australia's Military Reports Alleged War Crimes By Australians In Afghanistan
4 years, 1 month ago

Australia's Military Reports Alleged War Crimes By Australians In Afghanistan

NPR  

Australia's Military Reports Alleged War Crimes By Australians In Afghanistan MARY LOUISE KELLY, HOST: As American forces draw down in Afghanistan, a country that has fought alongside the U.S. is having a reckoning. CAMPBELL: This shameful record includes alleged instances in which new patrol members were coerced to shoot a prisoner in order to achieve that soldier's first kill in …

Special investigator appointed to prosecute Australian soldiers accused of Afghanistan war crimes
4 years, 1 month ago

Special investigator appointed to prosecute Australian soldiers accused of Afghanistan war crimes

ABC  

A special investigator will be appointed to prosecute allegations of Australian war crimes in Afghanistan as the Government prepares to release a long-awaited report into the conduct of special forces during the conflict. Key points: The investigator will look into criminal matters raised by an inquiry into alleged war crimes A report on alleged unlawful killings by soldiers in Afghanistan …

Australia appoints special investigator over alleged war crimes
4 years, 1 month ago

Australia appoints special investigator over alleged war crimes

Al Jazeera  

Investigator will decide whether to prosecute members of military over crimes allegedly committed in Afghanistan. Australia will appoint a special investigator to determine whether to prosecute members of the country’s military for alleged war crimes committed in Afghanistan, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Thursday, as the country prepared for the release of a four-year inquiry into the allegations. The …

Afghanistan war crimes process has 'long way to go' as Defence Chief mulls completed final report
4 years, 1 month ago

Afghanistan war crimes process has 'long way to go' as Defence Chief mulls completed final report

ABC  

Australians are being warned the process of dealing with alleged war crimes in Afghanistan has a "long way to go", as the Chief of Defence considers the findings of a formal inquiry that has been completed. Key points: The Army and the Government have been handed the final report into the conduct of Special Forces Sources have told the ABC …

'Deeply troubling' Afghanistan war crimes report handed to Defence Chief as Government prepares response
4 years, 1 month ago

'Deeply troubling' Afghanistan war crimes report handed to Defence Chief as Government prepares response

ABC  

A four-year-long investigation into "extremely serious" and "deeply troubling" actions by Australian troops during the Afghanistan war has ended, with the formal findings handed to Defence Chief General Angus Campbell and Defence Minister Linda Reynolds. Key points: The ABC understands the final report recommends further action, including criminal proceedings against at least 15 people The inqury focused on the treatment …

Australia police drop probe into Afghan ‘war crimes’ reporting
4 years, 2 months ago

Australia police drop probe into Afghan ‘war crimes’ reporting

Al Jazeera  

The decision came after ABC alleged Australian troops had killed unarmed men and children in Afghanistan. The Australian Federal Police said prosecutors found there were “reasonable prospects of conviction” in the case against Australian Broadcasting Corporation journalist Daniel Oakes, but determined it was not in the public interest to proceed with criminal charges. The decision came more than three years …

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