NSW Man Busted for War Crime Murder in Afghanistan
Shock Arrest in Regional NSW
A 41-year-old man from regional New South Wales has been charged with war crime murder. The arrest comes after a joint probe by the Office of the Special Investigator (OSI) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
First Ever Australian War Crime Murder Charge
He faces one count under subsection 268.70(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) for allegedly murdering an Afghan man while serving with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) in Afghanistan.
This marks the first time a serving or former ADF member has been hit with a war crime murder charge under Australian law. The maximum penalty? Life behind bars.
Ongoing Investigation Into Afghan Conflicts
The OSI and AFP are digging deep into breaches of the Laws of Armed Conflict involving Australian troops deployed in Afghanistan between 2005 and 2016. More charges could follow as the investigation unfolds.
Next Steps
The accused remains in custody and is due to appear at Downing Centre Local Court in the coming weeks.
