Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer has been told he faces jail if he does not reveal the names of those who told him special forces were suspected of committing murders in Afghanistan.
Sir Charles Hadden-Cave, chairman of the Afghanistan inquiry, has given Plymouth MPs until April 5 to provide a witness statement containing the names of those involved.
Mr Mercer has repeatedly refused to name the “multiple police officers” who told him about the allegations of murder and cover-up in Afghanistan, saying he was unwilling to compromise his “integrity”.
Afghanistan investigation to launch in 2022 Investigate allegations of misconduct british armed forces During a systematic campaign of detention in the country from 2010 to 2013.
gentlemen Mercer He gave evidence to the inquiry last month when he revealed that “a number of police officers” had told him about the murder allegations and subsequent cover-up while he was a backbencher.
The minister told barrister Oliver Glasgow KC last month: “The one thing you can stand up for is your integrity and I will do that with these people.”
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but In evidence given to the inquiry last month, Sir Charles told Mr Mercer that his decision “to refuse to answer legitimate questions at a public inquiry” was “disappointing… surprising… and completely unacceptable”.
The investigation noted that Mr Mercer was served with a section 21 notice on March 13, forcing him to hand over his name. The investigation insists it will be “treated confidentially” but failure to comply without reasonable excuse would constitute a “criminal offense punishable by imprisonment and/or a fine”.
Sir Charles also said the High Court could enforce the order through contempt proceedings, which “could result in a prison sentence”.
execution policy
The inquiry is looking into whether a special forces unit known as UKSF1 had a policy of executing “combat-age” men who posed no threat in Afghanistan between 2010 and 2013.
Afghan families have accused British special forces of carrying out a “murderous campaign” against civilians and senior Defense Ministry officials and personnel “trying to prevent an adequate investigation”.
An Afghan family has accused British special forces of carrying out a “campaign of murder” against civilians.Image: AP
Sir Charles also told Mr Mercer that if he believed it would be unreasonable to hand over the names, or if he was unable to comply with the order, he had until April 3 to submit his submissions in writing.
“Wall of Silence”
He previously told Mr Mercer: “Mr Mercer, you need to decide whose side you are really on.
“Whether it adequately assists the investigation… and the public interest and the national interest, in everyone’s interest, in quickly getting to the bottom of these allegations, or becomes part of what is effectively… a wall of silence – and This wall of silence prevents investigation and understanding of the truth.
“This was done, if I may say so, because of a misunderstanding of the word integrity and an inappropriate sense of loyalty.”
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Two Royal Military Police investigations, codenamed Operation Northmoor and Operation Sestero, will be examined at the inquiry.
Operation Northmoor is a £10m inquiry set up in 2014 to investigate allegations of executions, including of children, by special forces.
No charges were filed as a result of the investigation.
Operation Sestro referred three soldiers to the service prosecutor’s office, but none were prosecuted.
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