Army puts 13 soldiers on notice over war crimes report
The Australian Army has issued 13 soldiers with administrative notices that could see their service with the military terminated over last week’s IGADF Afghanistan Inquiry.
Chief of Army Lieutenant-General Rick Burr revealed that those who received a notice now have 14 days to respond to the claims.
"Each matter and individual circumstance will be considered on a case-by-case basis," Lieutenant-General Burr said.
"It is essential that privacy be respected and that procedural fairness is followed, and that no further comment be made until the process is complete."
Last week the IGADF Afghanistan Inquiry found there was “credible information” that Australian special forces soldiers killed 39 civilians or prisoners in the Afghanistan War
The Chief of Army was grilled during a press conference, with questions he declined to answer as reporters demanded to know whether he has plans to resign.
“We have seen generals in Japan hanged for war crimes that they had no knowledge of,’’ the reporter asked. “Can you tell me why you shouldn’t resign?”
But the Chief of Army chose not to answer the question.
“There is a process to be followed here. We’ve received the inquiry one week ago,’’ he replied.
“We need to follow a very deliberate, very methodical and very fair process, ensuring that we respect every individual’s privacy and right of reply. This will take time.”