Responding to the BBC Panorama investigation into alleged extrajudicial killings and cover-ups by UK Special Forces in Afghanistan, Sacha Deshmukh, Chief Executive of Amnesty International UK, said:

 “The allegations of extrajudicial killings and cover-ups by UK Special Forces in Afghanistan, as presented by BBC Panorama, are profoundly serious and  would amount to war crimes. The reported deliberate killing of detainees - including children and wounded individuals  - would constitute grave breaches of international humanitarian law.

“It’s deeply concerning that these allegations span many years and point to a potential pattern of institutional concealment and failure in oversight within the Ministry of Defence. Reports of falsified accounts, planted evidence, and apparent efforts to suppress or manipulate investigations suggest the possibility of a systemic cover-up.

“We welcome the ongoing public inquiry and stress that it must remain fully independent, adequately resourced, and empowered to compel testimony and access all relevant evidence - including classified material.  Those alleged to be individually responsible for war crimes and other abuses - regardless of rank - must be transparently investigated and prosecuted in fair, independent and impartial trials within the UK and potentially at the International Criminal Court.

“Justice must not be delayed. The victims of these alleged abuses, and the public, deserve full truth, transparency, and accountability.”