Australian officers lose medals after Afghan war crimes inquiry
Australian soldiers in the chain of command who oversaw units accused of war crimes in Afghanistan will be stripped of their medals over what the federal government called a “national shame”.
Defence Minister Richard Marles said today that fewer than 10 people lost medals and awards.
The senior officers were referred to him by a former defence force chief.
Marles made the announcement during a speech detailing the government’s response to a report into alleged war crimes by Australian special forces troops in Afghanistan.
The Commonwealth had addressed the final recommendations within its remit, closing a significant chapter in Australia’s military history, he told parliament on Thursday.
“This will always be a matter of national shame,” he said.
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“Service in our defence force has always been and always will be a deeply honourable calling – that we have held ourselves accountable in this moment allows Australia to continue to cherish this service, past and future.”
The investigation into Australian special forces found credible evidence of 39 murders of Afghan civilians and prisoners between 2005 and 2016.
Investigator Paul Brereton recommended reviewing the awards and decorations of those in command positions in the Special Air Service Regiment between 2008 and 2012.
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Marles used this recommendation to make his decision about command accountability.
Appeal options are limited but can be assessed by a judicial review.
Criminal investigations remain afoot and one man has been charged with murder.
A compensation scheme has been set up for Afghan families of civilians killed or injured during Australian operations.
Of 143 recommendations in the Brereton report, 139 have been addressed.
The remaining four remain on hold pending investigations by a special investigator.
The minister’s response does not include stripping the Victoria Cross – Australia’s highest military honour – from Ben Roberts-Smith.
Roberts-Smith was found by the Federal Court to have committed war crimes including murder during his time in Afghanistan.
The war veteran maintains his innocence and has appealed the ruling, which flowed from a failed defamation case against Nine Entertainment.
– AAP
