Troops to 'opt out' of human rights laws

British troops investigated for alleged war crimes in Afghanistan

22 September

The Ministry of Defence is investigating alleged abuses carried out by British soldiers in Afghanistan, it has been revealed.

More than a decade after the first UK troops were deployed to the country, the Daily Telegraph has revealed that an independent police unit has been set up to examine allegations of war crimes.

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"So far, criminal investigations into British soldiers have focused mainly upon their actions in Iraq," says the paper. "But new figures show that [there are] more than 550 historic allegations of war crimes."

One claim involves a Taliban bombmaker who alleges his 106-day detention was illegal and that he was assaulted by soldiers. In their defence, army officials argued he posed a serious risk and would make explosives designed to kill UK troops if released.

The prospect of prosecuting Afghanistan veterans "will cause further alarm and distress for those already feeling betrayed over their treatment in Iraq", says the paper.

Operation Northmoor is reportedly being staffed by up to 124 Royal Military Police officers and has been given an extra £7.5m in funding from government.

"It raises concerns that British soldiers are being pursued by lawyers for simply doing their job out in the field of combat," the International Business Times reports.

Conservative MP Johnny Mercer, a former army captain who served in Afghanistan, reacted angrily to the news, saying it was "physically painful to watch, yet alone be part of".

He added: "We are now prosecuting these same soldiers who we were asking to fire only when fired upon, to use the most minimal force necessary to preserve life, to bear huge personal risk of violent death and injury whilst fighting a violent insurgency on the government's behalf."