Janice R. Andrews
Australia took away medals and awards from top military leaders who were in charge of troops that were accused of war crimes in Afghanistan. Defence Minister Richard Marles said that less than 10 people have lost their titles after Australian special forces did a thorough investigation into war crimes.
The decision was made based on suggestions from a report written by investigator Paul Brereton. The study found strong proof of 39 killings of Afghan residents and prisoners from 2005 to 2016. The investigation looked closely at what top officers in the Special Air Service Regiment did from 2008 to 2012.
Marles told Parliament that even though being in the military is a very honorable job, people need to be held responsible for their acts in the past to keep its dignity. His words, “This will always be a matter of national shame,” and the fact that Australia is facing these crimes is a way to honor the memory of its defense forces.
The Brereton study had 143 suggestions, but the government has already taken care of 139 of them. The other four will be released once more studies are done. Afghan families who have been hurt by Australian military activities can get money to make up for it.
Even with this push for justice, Ben Roberts-Smith, an Australian war hero who has been found guilty of war crimes including murder by the Federal Court, still has his Victoria Cross. Roberts-Smith has challenged the decision, which came from a slander case he lost against Nine Entertainment. He still says he is innocent.
Other leaders have had their medals taken away, but Roberts-Smith’s request makes it harder to take away his Victoria Cross. Other people are still being investigated by police, and at least one person has been charged with murder. People who have lost their respect don’t have many ways to appeal, but they can use court review.
