Australia allocates $43.8M to probe war crimes in Afghanistan

SYDNEY, Australia (MNTV) — The Australian federal government has allocated 43.8 million Australian dollars in its 2026–2027 budget to investigate alleged war crimes committed by its defense forces during the war in Afghanistan.

According to reports, the investigations cover incidents involving Australian military personnel between 2005 and 2016 and are being handled by the Office of the Special Investigator.

The Daily Mail Australia reported that investigators are examining allegations of serious misconduct and possible violations of the laws of war. If sufficient evidence is found, cases could be referred to judicial authorities for prosecution.

The funding is intended to strengthen the Office of the Special Investigator, which was established following the publication of the Brereton Report in 2020 and began operations in 2021.

The report, led by Justice Mark Brereton, found credible evidence of unlawful killings during Australia’s military operations in Afghanistan, prompting national and international scrutiny.

Two major cases have so far emerged from the investigations, including those involving former special forces soldier Ben Roberts-Smith, who faces multiple war crimes allegations.

Another accused soldier, Oliver Schulz, is the first Australian service member formally charged with a war crime following the Brereton findings.

University professor Ismail Roshanegar said the alleged crimes must be fully investigated, arguing that Australia should uphold its stated commitment to human rights and democratic values.

“These crimes are undeniable and must be investigated,” Roshanegar said.