
Australian Commanders Stripped of Medals Amid War Crimes Inquiry
Up to nine Australian commanders who served in the Afghan war have had their military awards revoked following a war crimes investigation. Defence Minister Richard Marles called the situation a “national shame.” The decision, made by Marles, affects several senior soldiers, though their identities and rank are being kept confidential due to privacy laws. The commanders were informed the minister’s decision through letters sent in the past 24 hours. Marles detailed the findings of the Brereton Report in Parliament on Sept. 12. The report revealed evidence of unlawful conduct by Australian Special Forces personnel. “The report identified 23 incidents involving 25 Australian personnel, including the alleged unlawful killing of 39 individuals and the mistreatment of two others,” Marles said....
