Haddon-Cave: British Forces Refuse to Answer Questions on Afghan Killings
The Guardian has reported that, in connection with allegations of the killing of Afghan civilians by British special forces in Afghanistan, the judge leading the inquiry says that most members of the British Special Air Service (SAS) have refused to answer questions put to them.
According to the report, the judge leading the inquiry said the investigation is examining allegations of more than 50 extrajudicial killings, including the deaths of 54 Afghan citizens under suspicious circumstances in Helmand province between 2010 and 2011.
The Guardian quoted Lord Justice Sir Charles Haddon-Cave, who is leading the independent inquiry into allegations of unlawful killings of Afghan civilians by British special forces, as saying:
“The Inquiry has identified a significant number of SAS personnel from whom it wishes to hear direct evidence about the targeted detention operations in question and has issued each of them with requests for information under Section 9.”
Hadi Quraishi, a military analyst, said: “The legal authorities and the High Court of Britain must prosecute all British troops who harmed innocent people in Afghanistan. The law must always be upheld, and justice must be ensured.”
Aziz Maarij, a former diplomat, said: “Not only the British, but most countries allied with the United States and NATO that were present in Afghanistan committed crimes. They killed innocent people and unjustly destroyed some homes and civilian facilities. All these incidents must be investigated, judicial authorities must issue rulings, and compensation must be paid to the victims.”
Meanwhile, several families affected by the operations of British special forces in Helmand are demanding justice, transparent investigations into these cases, and compensation.
Abdullah Jan, a resident of Helmand, said: “In their first attack, my father, my uncle, and three of my cousins were killed. In their second attack, my mother and brother were killed. Now, all the surviving family members and children are facing serious difficulties.”
Malik, another resident of Helmand, said: “They would attack people’s homes at any hour of the night and oppress the residents. They must be brought to justice.”
Previously, Britain’s High Court said that new documents indicated some British troops may have committed serious crimes in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, 150 members of the British Special Air Service have received warnings that they may face questioning.
