A military witness has reinforced the claims of SAS trooper Oliver Jordan Schulz, who is facing war crime charges related to the fatal shooting of Afghan man Dad Mohammad in May 2012. During a mission, Schulz is accused of murdering Mohammad while he was lying in a wheat field in Dehjawze.
Prosecutors have summoned several military personnel to testify at a committal hearing at Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court, assessing potential evidence for an upcoming trial. One witness, a signal operator from the mission, discussed the controversial practice of “throwdowns,” where incriminating items like radios could be planted on individuals to pose them as combatants. Reports indicate that Mohammad was allegedly found with a Taliban radio at the time of the incident.
Additionally, it was suggested he had discarded a mobile phone linked to an insurgent called Young Akira, who was the target of this particular operation. When queried about “throwdowns,” the witness admitted to having heard the term but clarified that he was unfamiliar with it throughout the duration of his deployment.
The witness, not part of Schulz’s unit, stated he did not witness anyone carrying a Taliban radio during the incident, nor did he observe the shooting or hear discussions regarding evidence planting. Footage from a helmet-mounted camera is expected to shed light on the patrol’s actions prior to the shooting, which included their arrival in Dehjawze and subsequent movement towards where Mohammad was located.
Military reports describe Mohammad’s behaviour before the shooting as “tactically manoeuvring” and exhibiting “hostile intent.” Earlier testimony in the hearing, which was held privately, focused on details from a soldier present during the actual shooting incident. The proceedings are set to continue, with the court looking into the complexities surrounding the claims of war crimes during the mission in Afghanistan.
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