Alleged War Crimes by Australian Soldiers

[Cav]

Ben Roberts-Smith, VC, MG, Australia's most decorated living soldier has advised that he is one of the soldiers under investigation for alleged war crimes in Afghanistan.

(We all know that he is suing Nine Newspapers for defamation over a series of articles published in The Age, Sydney Morning Herald and Canberra Times in 2018. To fund this he has his medals up as collateral for a loan.)

What on earth is happening in Australia?

Doesn't "innocent until proven guilty in a court of law," apply anymore?

General Campbell “sincerely and unreservedly” apologised to the people of Afghanistan for any wrongdoing by Australian soldiers.

So much for the rule of law in Australia.

How can the soldiers named in the report get a fair trial now the Defence Chief has apologised for their alleged war crimes?

I wrote this in response to a post in the USA election thread the other day ...

Whilst you are entitled to an opinion about the alleged incidences regarding SAS troops in Afghanistan, perhaps it may be prudent to see how the allegations stand up to scrutiny in a court of law.

Until then, the SAS soldiers should be treated the same as rapists and thieves - innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

And before I go, can you offer an opinion on this scenario.

There you are in a field with your mates, all bombed up with the latest weaponry and gear, probably about 40kgs worth, it is extremely hot, you have been patrolling relentlessly, you are tired and worn out physically and mentally while surviving on 6 hours sleep a night. You have not slept in a bed for three weeks now, no hot meals or showers for another week.

An old farmer walks past. He is an unarmed civilian.

Minutes later incoming mortar rounds start crashing down on top of you and ya mates. One is killed and two are seriously wounded.

Casualties are choppered out, and what is left of the patrol continues on their mission.

Two days later you see the same farmer walking past again.

Now for the ethical and moral dilemma.

If one of your mates shoots him, would you dob him in as a war criminal?

After all, in your words, such an act is morally evil.