Australian Soldier Charged with War Crimes in Afghanistan
A former Australian soldier was charged on Tuesday with war crimes, facing allegations of killing five unarmed Afghans while serving in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012. Police have not publicly confirmed the 47-year-old man's name, and he is scheduled to appear in a Sydney court later on Tuesday.
This marks the second instance of an Australian veteran from the Afghanistan campaign being charged with a war crime. Previously, former Special Air Service Regiment soldier Oliver Schulz pleaded not guilty to a war crime murder charge, accused of shooting an Afghan man in 2012.
Understanding War Crime Murder
War crime murder is a federal crime in Australia, carrying a potential sentence of life in prison.
It is defined as the intentional killing, in an armed conflict, of a person not actively participating in hostilities, such as civilians, prisoners of war, or wounded soldiers.
Details of the Allegations
The accused veteran was arrested at Sydney Airport upon arrival from Brisbane, according to Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett.
Barrett stated that it is alleged the victims were unarmed, detained, under the control of Australian Defense Force (ADF) members, and not taking part in hostilities when they were killed. It is further alleged that the victims were shot by the accused or by subordinate ADF members acting on the accused's orders.
Broader Context: The 2020 Military Report
These charges follow a 2020 military report which indicated evidence of elite Australian troops unlawfully killing 39 Afghan prisoners, farmers, and other noncombatants.
Ensuring Accountability and Upholding Honor
Commissioner Barrett emphasized that the alleged conduct relates to a small section of the ADF, and that the majority of ADF members serve honorably.
The Office of the Special Investigator was established to collaborate with police on these allegations. Ross Barnett, the office's director of investigations, noted that 53 war crime allegations have been investigated, with 39 of those investigations concluding without charges.
Approximately 40,000 Australian military personnel served in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2021, with 41 fatalities.