Australian soldiers allegedly committed war crimes in Afghanistan. Next week, a much-anticipated report on the war crimes will be released. Here’s everything we know about what’s going to be in that
For a while now, news outlets have reported bits and pieces about alleged war crimes committed by Australian troops in Afghanistan between 2005 and 2016.
Today, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said when the report is released next week it will include “difficult and hard news for Australians”.
We know that the report has examined the possible unlawful killings of unarmed Afghani men and children.
According to the ABC, some of the allegedly unlawful civilian killings were never reported up the chain of command.
We know that the Inspector-General probed 55 separated incidents over four years - a process in which more than 330 witnesses were interviewed. The ABC has also reported that criminal prosecutions or military sanctions will be recommended for up to 20 people involved in the alleged war crimes.
Expect the news next week to be dominated by this report. And expect a public debate on whether Australia’s special forces culture is good enough for a long time to come.
Ahead of the report’s release, the PM today announced a new special investigator would be appointed to prosecute the alleged war crimes. A new oversight panel will also be established to oversee cultural change within the Australian Defence Force.
“This will be difficult and hard news for Australians, I can assure you… there is a significant number of incidents or issues to be investigated further and that investigation will be inherently complex.”
Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Thursday