The Afghan Unlawful Killing inquiry is a 2023 British public inquiry into extrajudicial killings that took place in Afghanistan between 2010 and 2013, during War in Afghanistan (2001–2021).[1]
The Afghan Unlawful Killing inquiry is a 2023 British public inquiry into extrajudicial killings that took place in Afghanistan between 2010 and 2013, during War in Afghanistan (2001–2021).[1]
The UK Government's plan to hold the inquiry was initially announced by Defence Sec Ben Wallace in December 2022.[2] It follows a BBC Panorama investigation that reported that British special forces killed 54[3] Afghan detainees during their tours of Afghanistan.[4]
The inquiry was launched on March 22, 2023 and is chaired by judge Charles Haddon-Cave.[1]
The inquiry planned to focus on night-time raids, known as Deliberate Detention Operations, including the 2012 Shesh Aba raid. Terms of reference included investigating the alleged cover-ups of the fatal incidents.[5]
Law firm Leigh Day represents families of the bereaved,[1] Brian Altman represents the Ministry of Defence.[6]
The judge, Lord Justice Haddon-Cave has the authority to compel witnesses to testify.[3]
The inquiry centres around the activities of British special forces. The Ministry of Defence initially made an application to prevent the British public from hearing criticisms of the special forces, but abandoned that ambition on July 3, 2023.[6]
