Alleged SAS war crimes in Afghanistan are ‘disturbing and distressing’, Prime Minister Scott Morrison says

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says this week’s report finding evidence that special forces murdered at least 39 Afghan civilians or prisoners was “disturbing” but has insisted war crime allegations must be dealt with by the Australian justice system.

The Inspector General of the Australian Defence Force (IGADF) has recommended 19 current and former personnel be prosecuted for war crimes, and compensation be paid to Afghan victims and families.

In his first comments since the handing down of the long-awaited findings, Mr Morrison said the behaviour of a “small number” of soldiers was “disturbing and distressing”, but the Government remains concerned for the mental welfare of many other veterans of the Afghanistan conflict.

“It’s important…