The Defence Minister of Australia has made the decision to revoke the distinguished service medals of a small number of senior military officers over alleged war crimes committed on their watch in Afghanistan. This move follows the findings of the 2020 Brereton Report, which uncovered evidence of Australian Defence Force personnel being involved in the unlawful killing of 39 prisoners and civilians. The decision to strip the officers of their awards is in accordance with the report’s recommendations regarding “command accountability”.
While Defence Minister Richard Marles did not disclose the names of the officers affected or the exact number, it is reported to be fewer than 10 personnel. Investigations by the Office of the Special Investigator are also ongoing, with the possibility of prosecuting some ADF personnel for their actions. Marles emphasized that the majority of Australian personnel who served in Afghanistan conducted themselves with professionalism, honor, and integrity, despite the actions of a few causing national shame.
The Brereton Report highlighted the moral command responsibility and accountability of troop, squadron, and task group commanders for the actions of their subordinates. While top military officials were not found to have prior knowledge of the alleged war crimes, former soldier Oliver Schulz was charged with murdering an Afghan man in 2012, making him the first ADF member to be charged with a war crime-related murder. The Defence Minister expressed pride in the service of the majority of Australian personnel in Afghanistan, stressing the importance of upholding military values and standards.
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