David McBride, a former Australian Army lawyer, has been sentenced to over five years in prison for leaking classified documents that exposed alleged war crimes by Australian Special Air Service troops in Afghanistan, sparking a controversial legal battle and discussions surrounding whistleblowing and press freedom.
On May 14, 2024, in Canberra, Australia, former Australian Army lawyer David McBride was sentenced to over five years in prison after a controversial legal battle. McBride, who leaked classified documents to the press, exposed alleged war crimes by Australian Special Air Service (SAS) troops in Afghanistan. These revelations led to the Afghan Files series by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) in 2017, which subsequently prompted a defense investigation identifying credible war crime evidence involving Australian forces.
Justice David Mossop delivered the sentence, citing the need for a deterrent against unauthorized disclosures that could impact national security. McBride’s legal team indicated plans to appeal, highlighting the severe implications for whistleblowers. The sentencing has sparked significant backlash from advocacy groups and public figures, criticizing the chilling effect it could have on future whistleblowers and press freedoms.
McBride’s disclosures had led to the Brereton report, revealing that SAS members had falsified evidence to cover up unlawful killings in Afghanistan. Despite these findings, McBride is the first to be criminally charged in relation to the exposed allegations. Supporters and human rights groups continue to argue for his acknowledgment as a whistleblower acting in the public interest, concerned about the precedent his imprisonment sets for others who might witness government or military wrongdoing.