Australian War Crimes

ADF chief General Angus Campbell (pictured) has been met with backlash after saying he would revoke the Meritorious Unit Citation awarded to special operations troops between 2007 and 2013. Justice Brereton’s report, released last month, found 25 current and former Commandos and Special Air Service Regiment operators had committed war crimes in Afghanistan, including involvement in the murders of 39 civilians and prisoners. He recommended 19 of them be referred for investigation relating to 23 incidents including murders and cruel treatment of prisoners. News Corp has been told that after some initial delays, it was hoped a person would be appointed to the role as soon as next week. The Government also believed the short delay was not unusual, given it was often difficult to find appointees for similar roles such as royal commissioners. The Special Investigator will work within the existing legislation applicable to the Australian Federal Police, and any charges laid would be dealt with under Australian criminal law. The Government believes this would keep any Australian soldiers out of the International Criminal Court in The Hague. Source: Daily Telegraph