China accuses Australia of war crimes in Afghanistan

Australian soldiers war crimes in Afghanistan
Killings were deliberately covered up
Planted operations killing 39 innocent civilians

Maj Gen Justice Paul Brereton (NSW Supreme court Judge – Major General reserve) investigations found the evidences on allegations leveled against Australian Elite Forces involvement in dozens of unlawful killings, planted operations, “First Kill” goal as well as all the victims were either non-combatants or were no longer combatants, prisoners or civilians.

David McBride, a former military lawyer (whistle blower)facing charges of leaking information about special forces actions in Afghanistan, felt “buoyed” by the report after years of being treated like a “traitor to the diggers(Aussie Soldiers)”. His information led to much-awaited Brereton/Afghanistan report but awaiting trial for the said leaks.

While the report was taking rounds in Australia, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian tweeted an image of an Australian soldier holding a knife to the throat of an Afghan child.The picture was doctored but the accusations of war crimes were investigated and a censored version of Brereton report a four-year inquiry into war crimes committed by Australia’s elite Special Air Services while fighting in Afghanistan is released.

Zhao wrote a caption with the tweet saying: “Shocked by murder of Afghan civilians & prisoners by Australian soldiers. We strongly condemn such acts, & call for holding them accountable.”

The tweet made Australian Prime Minister pushed to his limits by saying that Beijing should be “utterly ashamed” for sharing the “repugnant” image, demanding an apology.

In reply,The Chinese embassy in Australia issued a statement that Australian side face up to the crimes committed by Australian soldiers in Afghanistan, hold those perpetrators accountable and bring justice to the victims.However

Australian Prime Minister from his personal wechat account wrote, “The post of a false image of an Australian soldier does not diminish our respect for and appreciation of the Chinese Australian community, nor will it diminish our friendship with the people of China”.WeChat however censored the post a day later showing as “Unable to view this content because it violates regulations.”

The rift between the two nations has grown included but not limited to the South China Sea, corona virus inquiry, tariffs, huawei 5G and other security issues.

(Report by Sayyad Abidi)

https://afghanistaninquiry.defence.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-11/IGADF-Afghanistan-Inquiry-Public-Release-Version.pdf