Recently, the suspected involvement of Australian soldiers in the killing of prisoners and civilians in Afghanistan continues to ferment. Over the past few days, Australian politicians and media have criticized and condemned this.
On the 22nd, the Australian Defence Force Commander Angus Campbell stated in an interview with the media that the Australian Ministry of Defence must admit to investigating the crimes committed by Chinese and Australian soldiers in Afghanistan and promised to make changes to ensure that such brutal acts will not occur again. He also said that he will take responsibility to ensure that this report is thoroughly processed.
Angus Campbell, Commander of the Australian Defence Force: I want the Australian Defence Force to know that we have to admit this (Australian atrocities in Afghanistan), because if we don’t admit it, we cannot correct it. If it is not corrected, such horrible acts may happen again, which makes me unacceptable.
Australian Prime Minister Morrison said at a press conference on the 21st that he and the public believe that the content of the investigation report is disturbing and frustrating, and that allegations of war crimes must be handled in accordance with Australian laws and judicial systems. Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd recently issued a statement saying that the actions described in the report flagrantly violated Australia’s solemn legal obligations under the Geneva Convention and related laws, and betrayed the code of ethics that Australians expect their military to defend. Australian Governor David Hurley recently told the local media that these atrocities are very terrifying and are contrary to the values of the Australian Defence Force and Australia and should be condemned.
“The Australian” on the 20th front page article pointed out that this is the “most shameful page” in Australian military history. On the same day, the “Australian Financial Review” published a review article entitled “Prosecuting the army is the only way to save them”, stating that the report disclosed appalling actions. Some people have given this country’s army, military history, and even the country itself. Cast an ugly shadow.
An investigation report released by the Australian Defence Force recently revealed that during their missions in Afghanistan from 2005 to 2016, 25 Australian Special Forces soldiers illegally killed 39 Afghans in 23 incidents and 2 others were tortured . The behavior “none happened in the fierce battle.” What is even more outrageous is that some low-level soldiers are forced to shoot prisoners of war to gain the experience of “first killing”. The Australian army’s brutality caused widespread criticism.
