An Australian soldier is set to face charges for the alleged murder of an Afghan citizen during a military deployment. The incident is said to have taken place in 2012, and the soldier in question has been identified as a member of the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR), an elite unit of the Australian Army.
The charges come after a four-year investigation by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force (IGADF). The investigation was launched following allegations of war crimes committed by Australian soldiers in Afghanistan between 2005 and 2016.
The allegations include the murder of civilians, torture, and other forms of mistreatment. The IGADF report, which was released in November 2020, found credible evidence of 23 incidents involving 39 Afghan nationals, resulting in 25 unlawful killings.
The report also found that there was a toxic culture within the SASR that led to a disregard for the laws of armed conflict and human rights. It recommended that 19 soldiers be investigated for possible criminal charges.
The soldier who is set to face charges for the alleged murder of an Afghan citizen has not been named, but it is understood that he will be charged with murder and other offences under the Defence Force Discipline Act. He will face a court-martial, which is a military court.
The charges are a significant development in the investigation into alleged war crimes committed by Australian soldiers in Afghanistan. They send a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated and that those responsible will be held accountable.
The Australian government has apologised to the people of Afghanistan for the alleged war crimes committed by its soldiers. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said that the allegations are “deeply disturbing” and that they do not reflect the values of the Australian Defence Force.
The government has also established a special investigator’s office to investigate the allegations and bring those responsible to justice. The office will have the power to prosecute individuals for war crimes and other offences committed during military operations overseas.
The investigation into alleged war crimes committed by Australian soldiers in Afghanistan is ongoing. It is a complex and sensitive issue that raises questions about Australia’s role in the war in Afghanistan and its commitment to upholding international law and human rights.
The charges against the Australian soldier accused of murdering an Afghan citizen are a step towards justice for the victims of alleged war crimes in Afghanistan. They also serve as a reminder that those who serve in the military must uphold the highest standards of conduct and respect for human rights, even in times of conflict.
