5 Marines incarcerated. Murder investigation in Afghanistan
(BRUSSELS2) Nine men from the British Army's elite troops, from the 3rd Commando Brigade of the Royal Marines, have been arrested in recent days by the Military Police (RMP) for murder in Afghanistan and brought before a prosecutor. Seven marines were arrested by a military police unit on Thursday, another Friday and a final Saturday. Of the 9, four were quickly released, five others imprisoned. The instruction continues.
The case started with the arrest of a soldier in the United Kingdom for other facts. The discovery of a video on his laptop showed the group of Marines in the district of Nad-e-Ali around a wounded insurgent asking the question: what to do with him. The video then paused. But according to army sources interviewed by the Telegraph, the insurgent later died. This would be contrary to the Geneva Conventions. " This arrest demonstrates the determination of the Department of the Armed Forces to ensure that British personnel act in accordance with the rules of engagement and our standards.” says the British Ministry of Defence.
This is the first time that British soldiers have been involved in a judicial investigation for acts committed in Afghanistan as part of their military duties. The Marines belong to a unit had seen 7 of their own killed in the field during their field engagement from April to October last year.
