It's arguably the most shameful stain on Australia's military. In 2020, an inquiry concluded that there was credible information implicating 25 special forces personnel in alleged war crimes in Afghanistan.

Four years on, the finding is still reverberating. 

Last week, Defence Minister Richard Marles announced he would strip medals from a number of senior officers who served in Afghanistan. The move has drawn the ire of some veteran groups who argue no action should be taken until any charges are proven against soldiers. 

Today, foreign affairs and national security correspondent Matthew Knott on what the announcement means, and why one of the country's most famous special forces soldiers, Ben Robert Smith, still has his Victoria Cross medal.

It's arguably the most shameful stain on Australia's military. In 2020, an inquiry concluded that there was credible information implicating 25 special forces personnel in alleged war crimes in Afghanistan.
Four years on, the finding is still reverberating. 
Last week, Defence Minister Richard Marles announced he would strip medals from a number of senior officers who served in Afghanistan. The move has drawn the ire of some veteran groups who argue no action should be taken until any charges are proven against soldiers. 
Today, foreign affairs and national security correspondent Matthew Knott on what the announcement means, and why one of the country's most famous special forces soldiers, Ben Robert Smith, still has his Victoria Cross medal.

The Morning Edition (formerly Please Explain) brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am.

The Morning Edition (formerly Please Explain) brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am.

The Morning Edition

The Morning Edition brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am.

The Morning Edition brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am.

Australian soldiers stripped of medals over suspected war crimes

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