2021-06-09
Australian Greens Peace and Disarmament spokesperson Senator Jordon Steele-John has called on the Morrison Government to commit to reverse the decision to close its embassy in Kabul after horrific new information was reported today about the nature of Australia's worst alleged war crime, known as the 'tractor job'.
"Now is not the time for Australia to lose a vital piece of on-the-ground infrastructure that would be critical in supporting the Office of the Special Investigator to better access evidence and witnesses in Afghanistan," Steele-John said.
"To close the Australian Embassy in Kabul now, when so much new and truly shameful information about the conduct of Australian SAS soldiers in Afghanistan has come to light, borders on governmental obstruction of justice!
"The closure of the Austrlaian Embassy in Kabul will unjustifiably disadvantage the victims, and their families, when engaging with the investigation.
"What has been reported today by the ABC about the incident known as the 'tractor job' is horrific and truly shameful.
"The war has had a terrible and lasting impact on the Afghani people, whose country we occupied for two decades. Innocent people, including children like 14 year old Abdul Salim who is alleged to have been killed at Sara Aw, are dead, families have been torn apart and villages have been left in ruin.
"It is imperative now that we do everything in our power as a nation to ensure that no stone is left unturned, perpetrators are brought to jsutice and the families, and the communities, affected by our occupation are appropriately compensated.
"Abdul Salim, Fiz Mohammad, Omar Jan, Mohammad Azim, Sakhi Jan, Wali Jan, Gulab Khan, Gran, Abdullah, Toor Jan and Nazar Mohammad. These are the names of the 11 civilians alleged to have been murdered; lest we forget."