Commander returns to Afghanistan

The Danish company commander charged in the case involving possible civilian deaths in Afghanistan has now returned to duty there, according to information given by Defence Minister Nick Hækkerup (SocDem) in a series of answers to the Folketing’s defence committee.

The company commander was recalled from Afganistan in the first instance and charged on 28 November by the Military Prosecution Service with a “dereliction of duty” of a particularly serious kind in the course of armed conflict. This can lead to up to three years in jail.

The charge was made after the company commander gave orders on 23 October for a missile to be fired towards a group of suspicious people at the forward patrol base Bridzar in Helmand Province. One Afghan died and two were injured.

No standard practice, says Defence Minister
However, it subsequently became clear that the Afghans might have been civilians going about their lawful business and the Military Prosecution Service are still investigating the matter to find out whether a criminal offence has been committed.

According to the Defence Minister there is no standard practice for when an officer should be recalled in connection with an investigation into a possible offence against the rules of engagement.

“Decisions about whether to repatriate are taken on a case by case basis, and the particular facts are taken into account”, writes Nick Hækkerup.

The company commander returned to Afghanistan on 6 January “in order to resume his duties”, said the Minister.