Veterans’ Minister Johnny Mercer has been given until April 5 to disclose names of those who reported alleged unlawful killings by British troops in Afghanistan, with warnings of legal repercussions.
Veterans’ Minister Johnny Mercer has been given a firm deadline of April 5 to provide names of individuals who relayed information about alleged war crimes committed by British troops in Afghanistan, or he may face a prison sentence or fine. The directive comes from the chair of the public inquiry, Lord Justice Haddon-Cave, who emphasized the importance of Mercer’s cooperation to uncover the truth behind accusations of unlawful killings by members of the SAS between 2010 and 2013. The inquiry focuses on claims suggesting that around 80 Afghans were unlawfully killed by British SAS units.
Mercer, who was informed about these allegations in 2017, has been resistant to disclosing the names of multiple officers who brought these concerns to his attention, citing the integrity and loyalty towards those who shared information with him. This has led to the inquiry’s ultimatum, underling the high stakes involved in maintaining what has been termed a “wall of silence.”
The allegations at the heart of the inquiry include a claimed “campaign of murder” against Afghan civilians by UK special forces and previous military investigations that did not result in prosecutions. Further, Mercer revealed he was made aware of the misuse of “drop weapons” by UK Special Forces to falsely incriminate unarmed victims as threats. Despite his experience with a Special Boat Service task force in Afghanistan, Mercer has withheld the identity of the SBS member involved in these discussions.
The inquiry, operating under the Inquiries Act 2005, seeks to bring accountability and transparency to the Ministry of Defence by investigating these grave allegations. Mercer’s decision on whether to comply with the request and reveal his sources by the stipulated deadline is awaited, amidst warnings of legal consequences for failure to do so.
