Melbourne, Mar 24(ANI): The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has launched an investigation into racist videos, photos and comments posted by Australian soldiers in Afghanistan on social networking website Facebook.
According to the Herald Sun, soldiers have been warned that they could face military tribunal, censure, discharge or even jail for describing Afghans as "ragheads", "dune coons", "sand niggaz" and "smelly locals".
Acting Chief of Army Major General Paul Symon said that an immediate investigation had been launched into inappropriate comments made by soldiers currently or previously serving in Afghanistan.
"I struggle to understand, with all the training that we do and with the quality of soldiers that we have, that that sort of language has been posted," Symon said.
"When you put words in the public domain you will be held responsible. What is happening here will cause deep offense to a lot of people," he added.
Meanwhile, Phil Lynch, Director of the Human Rights Law Resource Council, said that the Facebook posts were antithetical to Australia's mission in Afghanistan to promote and protect human rights.
"It undermines Australia's mission, it potentially places at risk the safety of other soldiers and it does nothing to promote peace, justice and harmony in the region," Lynch said.
"It's very concerning that Australians acting in an official capacity conduct themselves in this way," he added. (ANI)
|
|
Read More: Law
Comments:
