Federal police face difficulties in war crime probe due to Taliban takeover

An investigation into alleged war crimes by Australian soldiers in Afghanistan has been hampered by the Taliban’s takeover.

A probe into alleged war crimes by Australian soldiers in Afghanistan could face difficulties moving forward as federal police cease contact with the Taliban and their police forces.

In a submission to a senate inquiry into Australia’s engagement in Afghanistan, the AFP warned the Taliban’s takeover of the nation could be a impediment on its ability to continue its investigations.

“The security situation in Afghanistan may affect the ongoing investigation of war crimes allegedly perpetrated by ADF personnel, in that obtaining evidence and assessing potentially witnesses residing there is likely to be more difficult,” the submission said.

“Any further engagement in Afghanistan would require an assessment of the security situation …with the safety of investigators and Afghan nationals remaining the paramount concern.”

Mr McCartney said the credibility of Afghan witnesses could present a problem for prosecutors.

Deputy commissioner of investigations Ian McCartney told the hearing on Monday while the probe was still ongoing, no new witnesses were being sought.

“(The investigations) are still ongoing and nearing completion and we are not seeking anymore witnesses,” Mr McCartney,” he said.

He added the credibility of Afghan witnesses could present a problem for prosecutors if criminal charges are laid following the inquiry.

Later, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade told the inquiry that almost 200 Australians and permanent residents remain in Afghanistan.

Acting deputy secretary Simon Newnham confirmed that as of last Friday there were 82 citizens and 87 permanent residents who still in the Middle Eastern nation.

While the number of Aussies returning from Kabul has increased, it is still unknown how many visa holders remain in Afghanistan.

He noted the total number of people in those categories has decreased since the department’s last appearance before the committee in October – down from 286 to 170.

However, he was unable to disclose how many visa holders who have been unable to make the journey to Australia.

It comes as the number of the people who Australia has assisted to leave Afghanistan has risen to over 5150.

Mr Newnham said DFAT expected to see an increase in the number of people departing on flights as the Kabul airport becomes more commercially viable.

“We've had some success already … with three flights chartered by the Qatari government with co-ordination from DFAT and colleagues here to help fill a number of seats.”

He added just under 900 individuals have been able to cross the border with Pakistan and have been assisted by the High Commission in Islamabad.

Ms Safi told the committee that Australia should not forget about the millions of Afghans who remain.

About 80 people with Australian citizenship, permanent residency or visas had arrived via capital cities across Europe.

Earlier, Afghanistan’s former Acting Minister for Women’s Affairs Hasina Safi told the inquiry Australia must apply pressure on the Taliban to make clear what their “definition of participation and involvement” for women would be.

Originally published as Federal police face difficulties in war crime probe due to Taliban takeover