The inquiry is tasked with investigating:
- Whether the investigations carried out by the Royal Military Police were properly and effectively conducted (in particular, Operation Northmoor and Operation Cestro).
- Whether there is credible information that extra judicial killings (EJK) were carried out by British armed forces in Afghanistan during this period (and whether any matters should be passed to the Prosecuting Authorities to investigate).
- Whether the circumstances of any such EJK were covered up at any stage.
- What lessons are to be learned.
At today's short preliminary session, the inquiry chair said that:
A growing number of individuals are already coming forward with significant information. They can be assured that their information will be treated with the utmost discretion by the inquiry team.
He also quoted a message issued to the defence community by Permanent Secretary David Williams and Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Tony Radakin:
The inquiry is fully independent of the (Ministry of Defence) and the chair, Lord Justice Haddon-Cave, has issued the call for evidence.
We have both personally assured the chair of our full support to the inquiry.
This requires all relevant individuals in Defence to co-operate proactively with the inquiry.
If you are concerned about confidentiality, the inquiry can be contacted directly via its website. We expect maximum engagement, please.
BAFF has in the past offered free preliminary professional legal advice to any serving or ex-service Federation member approached by investigations such as IHAT, even as a witness.
For this inquiry the Government has rightly promised to ensure that all service personnel, veterans, and current and former civil servants who are asked to engage with the inquiry are given full legal and pastoral support.
BAFF members affected by these matters are welcome to get in touch with us in confidence if required. Legal advice made available under MOD arrangements to inquiry particpants should be completely independent and geared primarily to the individual's interests, not the Department's.
