Serious war crimes

War crime: a crime committed during a war that breaks the accepted international rules of war:

Genocide is a war crime.

Cambridge Dictionary

War crimes :at the heart of the concept of war crimes is the idea that individuals can be held criminally responsible for the actions of a country or its soldiers. War crimes and crimes against humanity are among the gravest crimes in international law.

War crimes

In November 2020, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Chief Angus Campbell released the findings of a four-year investigation into allegations of war crimes committed by Australian soldiers in Afghanistan between 2005 and 2016. The investigation was conducted by Major General Justice Paul Brereton and his team and was based on more than 25,000 documents and interviews with more than 400 witnesses.

Here are some of the key points from the report:

  1. The investigation found “credible information” that 25 Australian soldiers were involved in 23 separate incidents of unlawful killings of 39 Afghan nationals, including prisoners, farmers, and other civilians.

  2. The report also found evidence of “blooding” – a practice where new soldiers were forced to kill prisoners in order to “blood” or initiate them into the unit.

  3. The incidents were allegedly covered up by the soldiers involved, as well as by their commanding officers and the ADF hierarchy.

  4. The report recommended that 19 soldiers be referred to the Australian Federal Police for possible prosecution for war crimes.

  5. The ADF chief Angus Campbell apologized to the Afghan people on behalf of the ADF and the Australian government, and promised to take action to address the cultural and leadership failures that allowed these incidents to occur.

  6. The report also recommended that the Australian government establish an independent oversight body to ensure that the ADF is held accountable for its actions in future conflicts.

Overall, the report was a significant and deeply troubling revelation for the Australian military and government, and has raised important questions about the role and conduct of Australian troops in international conflicts.

1 Australian defence chief releases report into allegations of war crimes in Afghanistan

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19 nov. 2020

The Brereton report into alleged war crimes by Australian special forces in Afghanistan has found credible evidence that Australian SAS soldiers were involved in the murder of 39 Afghan civilians. The alleged incidents have been described as a ‘disgraceful and a profound betrayal of the Australian defence force’, and include evidence that junior soldiers were coerced to execute prisoners to achieve their first kill in a process known as ‘blooding’. Speaking at the release of the report, defence force chief General Angus Campbell said ‘These findings allege the most serious breaches of military conduct and professional values. The killing, the unlawful killing, of civilians and prisoners is never acceptable. It is my duty, and that of my fellow chiefs, to set things right.’

2 Chief of Defence General Angus Campbell responds to war crimes inquiry | Insiders

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22 nov. 2020

A culture of secrecy, fabrication and deceit has cast a heavy shadow over the legacy of the Australian special forces deployment in Afghanistan. 
 
The landmark Brereton inquiry has recommended 19 soldiers be investigated by police for the alleged murder of 39 prisoners and civilians, and the cruel treatment of two others. The Chief of Defence, General Angus Campbell, spoke on Insiders saying the chain of command, including him, is accountable. ABC News provides around the clock coverage of news events as they break in Australia and abroad, including the latest coronavirus pandemic updates. It’s news when you want it, from Australia’s most trusted news organisation.

3 Chief of the Defence Force Press Conference Q&A – IGADF Afghanistan Inquiry

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19 nov. 2020

Chief of the Defence Force, General Angus Campbell, AO, DSC, announces the findings of the Afghanistan Inquiry report at Russell Offices in Canberra. Defence, with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, remains committed to ensuring current and former personnel and their families have access to welfare support, particularly those who are vulnerable or at risk. For information on welfare services, visit https://www.bit.ly/IGADFWelfare

4 General Angus Campbell on the State of the Region

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19 aug. 2019

ASPI was honoured to have General Angus Campbell, AO, DSC, Chief of the Defence Force attend the recent State of the Region Masterclass for 2019.
 
General Campbell discussed the emerging threats and challenges in our region with Peter Jennings, Executive Director of ASPI.

5 “Credible evidence” that Australian soldiers unlawfully killed 39 people in Afghanistan – BBC News

19 nov. 2020

A long-awaited report says there is “credible evidence” that Australian elite soldiers unlawfully killed 39 people during the Afghan war.
 
It has uncovered what the head of Australia’s armed forces says is a “shameful record” among some soldiers.
 
Sophie Raworth presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Shaimaa Khalil.
 
BOOKMARK

6 Shame brought upon Australia by ‘a few bad men’ in Afghanistan war | 60 Minutes Australia

23 nov. 2020

 

A few bad men (2020) The shame brought upon the entire country by a few bad men from our military’s special forces is a brutal truth Australians now have no choice but to handle. On Thursday the findings of a four-year-long Defence Force inquiry into the war in Afghanistan were released. The report detailed shocking crimes, including murders, allegedly committed by men who were supposed to be our best-trained, most elite soldiers. What’s staggering is the scale of the wrongdoing – 39 potentially unlawful deaths including Afghan civilians and children. Nick McKenzie has been at the forefront of the reporting of this story for three years. In an exclusive interview with 60 MINUTES he asks the Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Rick Burr, to explain how this disaster was ever allowed to happen, and how far up the chain of command responsibility for it should rest.

7 Inside the secret mission to infiltrate inner sanctum of Australia’s special forces | 60 Minutes

15 nov. 2020

The final battle (2020) On Thursday November 12, Prime Minister Scott Morrison warned the country to brace for uncomfortable news. As unthinkable as it is, it seems men we’ve always thought of as heroes are not. An exhaustive four-year investigation by the Inspector General of the Australian Defence Force has found that a small group of soldiers from our elite special forces were potentially involved in shocking war crimes in Afghanistan. The IG’s report is set to be released within days and is expected to detail a litany of heinous crimes committed against defenceless Afghans, including alleged executions. In a special report for 60 MINUTES, Nick McKenzie will not only explain what went wrong with the special forces, but also the one piece of good news: how this story was uncovered rather than covered up.
 
For forty years, 60 Minutes have been telling Australians the world’s greatest stories. Tales that changed history, our nation and our lives. Reporters Liz Hayes, Tom Steinfort, Tara Brown, Liam Bartlett and Sarah Abo look past the headlines because there is always a bigger picture. Sundays are for 60 Minutes.

8 Soldier’s heartbreaking journey for forgiveness after horror in Afghanistan | 60 Minutes Australia

28 jun. 2020

Dusty’s war (2020) Every front-line soldier knows war is hell. It’s an enormous responsibility to pick out an enemy fighter, aim a weapon at them and then pull the trigger knowing death is the likely result. That’s why in conflict there are very specific rules of engagement. For the last four years, a secret inquiry – the biggest in Australian military history – has been investigating whether soldiers from our elite special forces broke those rules and committed war crimes in Afghanistan. On 60 MINUTES, Nick McKenzie reveals new information about the shameful conduct of some of our elite fighters. One shocking incident involves former SAS medic Dusty Miller, a good man traumatised by the savagery he says a fellow soldier inflicted on an injured, unarmed Afghan civilian.
 
For forty years, 60 Minutes have been telling Australians the world’s greatest stories. Tales that changed history, our nation and our lives. Reporters Liz Hayes, Tom Steinfort, Tara Brown, Liam Bartlett and Sarah Abo look past the headlines because there is always a bigger picture. Sundays are for 60 Minutes.
 
MUST BE SEEN
 

9 Shocking allegations about elite Australian soldiers during Afghanistan war | 60 Minutes Australia

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22 sep. 2019

An explosive edition of 60 MINUTES will expose shocking allegations about the conduct of some of Australia’s elite soldiers during the conflict in Afghanistan. After two years of exhaustive research, award-winning journalists Nick McKenzie and Chris Masters will reveal unpalatable truths about a group of men Australians think of as heroes. They’re elite soldiers from the Special Air Service (SAS) and Commando regiments who fought in the Australia’s longest war. While it’s not in dispute the men put their lives on the line for their country, what is questioned is the way a small number of them did battle. Damning allegations from fellow soldiers claim the men routinely took the law into their own hands and committed what could amount to serious war crimes, including the execution of innocent civilians and detainees. This story is a joint investigation by the Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and 60 MINUTES.
 
For forty years, 60 Minutes have been telling Australians the world’s greatest stories. Tales that changed history, our nation and our lives. Reporters Liz Hayes, Allison Langdon, Tara Brown, Charles Wooley, Liam Bartlett and Sarah Abo look past the headlines because there is always a bigger picture. Sundays are for 60 Minutes.
 
BOOKMARK

10 Facts Tell: What Australian soldiers did in Afghanistan


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8 dec. 2020


After a four-year inquiry, an official
#report on Australian soldiers’ misconduct in #Afghanistan, the #Brereton report, has shocked the world. The redacted report uncovered 39 Afghans were allegedly #murdered by Australian soldiers in 23 incidents from 2005 to 2016. The report confirms that none of these alleged killings took place in the heat of #battle. None of the alleged Afghan victims were combatants. They were all not threatening or under Australian soldiers’ control. How were they killed? Were there any more? Who should be held accountable? This special report tells you more.

11 Top Army leaders fired, suspended from Fort Hood after Guillen investigation | Nightline

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9 dec. 2020

The Army said 14 people were punished for “leadership failures” in responding to sexual harassment and sexual assault allegations. Vanessa Guillen’s family has been fighting for more accountability.

12 Afghanistan report finds alleged unlawful killing of 39 people by Australian soldiers | 7NEWS

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19 nov. 2020

The Afghanistan report into alleged Australian war crimes has found “deeply disturbing allegations of unlawful killings”. More on this story: https://7news.link/32WOHjy

 

12 feb. 2021

*Content warning: This film contains graphic images of death throughout.
 
They are Australia’s elite special forces. For more than 10 years, they were on the front lines of the war in Afghanistan. But explosive revelations expose a series of killings by some of these highly trained soldiers.
 
In this revealing programme, a special forces operative who was on these covert missions speaks out about what he saw. What he has to say will shock and appal.
 
In an investigation that was months in the making, drawing upon sources in Australia and Afghanistan, 101 East exposes a culture of impunity and cover-up among members of Australia’s special forces.

13 Shocking evidence of potential war crime exposed in major investigation | 60 Minutes Australia

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12 apr. 2021

It’s not pleasant busting a long-held myth about a much-admired and highly-decorated veteran of the Afghanistan war. But Australia really needs to know the truth about VC recipient, Ben Roberts-Smith. For the last three years he’s been under police investigation, accused of war crimes. The former soldier emphatically denies any wrongdoing, repeatedly saying he has nothing to hide about his time in Afghanistan. 60 MINUTES, the Sydney Morning Herald and the Age newspaper reveal startling new information that will shock the nation. It’s about Roberts-Smith’s efforts to conceal evidence and threaten SAS witnesses who dared to stand up to him.
 
And a warning: This joint investigation by 60 MINUTES, the Sydney Morning Herald and the Age newspaper, contains confronting material.
 
For forty years, 60 Minutes have been telling Australians the world’s greatest stories. Tales that changed history, our nation and our lives. Reporters Liz Hayes, Tom Steinfort, Tara Brown, Liam Bartlett and Sarah Abo look past the headlines because there is always a bigger picture. Sundays are for 60 Minutes.
 

14 What Australian soldiers did in Afghanistan | Facts Tell

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8 dec. 2020

For more: https://news.cgtn.com/news/2020-12-08…

After a four-year inquiry, an official
#report on Australian soldiers’ misconduct in #Afghanistan, the #Brereton report, has shocked the world. The redacted report uncovered 39 Afghans were allegedly #murdered by Australian soldiers in 23 incidents from 2005 to 2016. The report confirms that none of these alleged killings took place in the heat of #battle. None of the alleged Afghan victims were combatants. They were all not threatening or under Australian soldiers’ control. How were they killed? Were there any more? Who should be held accountable? This special report tells you more.

15 Killing Field: Explosive new allegations of Australian special forces war crimes | Four Corners

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16 mrt. 2020

A Four Corners investigation has uncovered new allegations that unarmed civilians were unlawfully killed by Australian special forces in Afghanistan. In an investigation months in the making, drawing upon sources in Australia and Afghanistan, our program will expose a culture of impunity and cover-up among members of Australia’s special forces who served in Australia’s longest war.

16 Soldier who shot an unarmed Afghan man suspended from duty by Australian Army | ABC News

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19 mrt. 2020

An Australian Army soldier seen shooting an unarmed Afghan man in footage aired by Four Corners has been suspended from duty, with the Defence Minister referring the matter to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner.

The Four Corners footage showed an Afghan man named Dad Mohammad being shot and killed at close range by an Australian Special Air Service Regiment (SAS) soldier in the Uruzgan province of Afghanistan.

A Defence investigation of the 2012 incident found the SAS soldier, called Soldier C in reporting, acted in self-defence.

The Department of Defence has issued a statement saying the revelations are “serious and disturbing”.

17 Footage shows Australian soldiers signalling US Black Hawk with Confederate flag | ABC News

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22 jul. 2020


Australian special forces soldiers photographed and filmed themselves posing with a Confederate flag while on operations in Afghanistan, ABC Investigations can reveal.

A photo and a video show two SAS soldiers smiling and holding up the flag, which has the words “Southern Pride” emblazoned on it.

An Australian Defence Force spokesperson said the ADF was not previously aware of the pictures and video, and so was not in a position to identify who was responsible.

Read more here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-2…

18 War hero casts doubt on joining force given leadership

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15 nov. 2019

Australia’s most decorated war hero Ben Roberts-Smith expressed doubt about whether it is a “good option” for people to join the Defence Force given the current state of its leadership.

19 ADF report into Afghanistan war crimes by SAS announced by Gen. Angus Campbell | ABC News

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19 nov. 2020

A landmark inquiry into Australian special forces in Afghanistan finds evidence of the “murder” of 39 prisoners, farmers or other civilians and recommends 19 soldiers be investigated by police. Defence Force Chief Angus Campbell released the report saying the country was “diminished” by its findings. Subscribe: http://ab.co/1svxLVE Read more here: https://ab.co/2UHKcEO 
 
ABC News provides around the clock coverage of news events as they break in Australia and abroad, including the latest coronavirus pandemic updates. It’s news when you want it, from Australia’s most trusted news organisation.

20 General Angus Campbell on War in 2025


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18 jun. 2019

General Angus Campbell, AO, DSC, Chief of Defence Force, delivered the keynote address at the ASPI War in 2025 conference dinner.
 
ASPI’s War in 2025 conference: https://warin2025.aspi.org.au/home.html
 
Transcript of General Campbell’s speech: https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/adf…

21 Oud-luitenant-generaal Marc Thys over misbruik in het leger

6 apr. 2011

14 mrt 2024
 
Jullie hebben allemaal het recht om jullie mening te geven, maar heb respect voor elkaar. Reacties waarin je scheldt of iemand persoonlijk aanvalt, worden verwijderd.

22 Baby Delivery Prank

6 apr. 2011

Cruel delivery men are moving some boxes full of babies out of their truck. At least they’re not using a pitchfork. A presentation of the Just For Laughs Gags. The funny hidden camera pranks show for the whole family. Juste pour rire les gags, l’émission de caméra caché la plus comique de la télé!