Today's Sunday Times Insight investigation into an SAS operation in Syria raises serious questions extending beyond the circumstances of the original incident.
Allegations of unlawful killing must be properly investigated, including when they concern British service personnel operating in dangerous and exceptionally difficult circumstances. But the individuals concerned are also entitled to expect investigations that are fair, proportionate and conducted without unnecessary delay.
The report describes soldiers continuing to undertake dangerous combat operations while under investigation for murder, with the uncertainty lasting almost three years. Whatever the merits of the original allegations, that raises important questions about welfare, legal support and the responsibilities of the chain of command.
The requirement for fair treatment, concern for welfare, protection of legal rights and full legal aid should apply to any suspect in these circumstances, even where prosecution ultimately follows. Based on the facts stated in the article, it is worth adding that in this case there was no criminality involved.
The necessary independence of criminal investigations must be respected. It does not remove the Armed Forces' continuing duty towards personnel whose actions are under investigation. Accountability and the fair treatment of service personnel are not competing principles. Both are essential to confidence in the system.