Australia is set to revoke medals from several commanders of its elite special forces who were involved in alleged war crimes during the Afghanistan war. Defence Minister Richard Marles announced the decision on Thursday, stating it was necessary to “address the wrongs of the past.”
The move targets unit commanders who were in charge between 2005 and 2016, with fewer than ten individuals expected to lose their awards. However, their names will not be made public for privacy reasons.
The action comes after an official inquiry into alleged war crimes committed by Australian forces during an 11-year period in Afghanistan. The inquiry investigated the unlawful killing of 39 civilians and prisoners and uncovered a “sub-culture of elitism and deviation from acceptable standards,” Marles said. The 2020 report’s findings prompted significant reform, including a medal review, compensation scheme, and cultural changes within the military.
While 19 individuals were recommended for referral to the Australian Federal Police, only one former SAS soldier has been charged to date, with the case still ongoing.
One notable figure, ex-SAS corporal and Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith, lost a defamation case last year over accusations of murdering Afghan prisoners. However, Roberts-Smith has not faced criminal charges and is not expected to be impacted by the decision to strip honours from unit commanders.
