Former PM John Howard weighs in on war crimes allegations
John Howard, who as PM committed forces to Afghanistan, says any charged ADF personnel ‘should enjoy the presumption of innocence’.
John Howard, who as prime minister committed Australian forces to the war in Afghanistan in 2001, has expressed his distress at the findings of the Brereton inquiry into alleged war crimes but says any defence force personnel charged “should enjoy the presumption of innocence”.
The former Liberal leader said he remained “intensely proud” of the bravery and professionalism of soldiers during the conflict and Australians should be grateful for the service of our forces in a long and difficult engagement.
“None of this diminishes the distress that I and so many others feel about the contents of the Brereton inquiry released yesterday,” Mr Howard said.
“Its findings are damning of the behaviour of a small group of special forces personnel who it is claimed, among other things, were responsible for the unlawful killing of thirty-nine Afghani citizens.
“The report explicitly states that none of them lost their lives in the heat of battle. Such conduct is totally at odds with the values, beliefs and practices of our military forces.”
While praising Defence Force chief Angus Campbell for his “true leadership qualities” in responding to the “chilling” Brereton report, Mr Howard said due process must now be followed.
“If charges are laid against individuals they must be handled in accordance with Australia’s criminal justice system. Any personnel charged should enjoy the presumption of innocence,” he said.
“A long road lies ahead. In the meantime, we should remember the continuing service of our military personnel and, where appropriate, extend a helping hand to them and their families.”
Defence Minister responds
Defence Minister Linda Reynolds has warned the “very confronting findings” of the Afghanistan inquiry must not cast a shadow on the vast majority of Australian Defence Force personnel, in her first public comments on Justice Paul Brereton’s report.
Senator Reynolds said she would report regularly to federal parliament on the progress of the implementation of the report’s 143 recommendations while acknowledging the inquiry process would continue to be “extremely challenging and enormously distressing” for impacted individuals and their families.
“The findings announced by the Chief of the Defence Force should not and must not cast a shadow on the service of the vast majority of men and women who have and today continue to serve with such great distinction for our nation,” Senator Reynolds said in an address to a WA Business News event.
“Their contributions to the mission in Afghanistan were carried out to the highest standards asked of them.
“Accountability for the defence response is critically important. This is crucial to maintaining the highest standards possible that Australians expect of our military, to provide reassurance, confidence and trust and we must learn from this inquiry’s very grave findings.”
Senator Reynolds encouraged current and former serving ADF members to reach out for any assistance and noted the publication of the report was just one of the first steps in what would be a “long process”.
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