An award-winning journalist has been prohibited from attending a courtroom where allegations are being made against a former SAS soldier accused of murder during an operation in Afghanistan. The individual in question, Mohammad, was reportedly shot while lying on his back in a wheat field in Dehjawze.
Oliver Schulz, the 43-year-old ex-soldier facing accusations of committing a war crime, has denied the charges. During a recent committal hearing at Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court, photojournalist Andrew Quilty, known for his extensive reporting on the Afghan conflict, was ordered to leave the courtroom. Despite being classified as a prosecution witness, both the prosecution and defence had advised Quilty against his attendance, although neither held the authority to enforce his departure.
Defence counsel Phillip Boulton SC asserted that Quilty’s presence was inappropriate due to his status as a crown witness involved in the initial complaint about Schulz. Prosecutor Sean Flood SC noted he had advised Quilty to exit, but Quilty opted to remain. The journalist is documenting Schulz’s case for The Monthly.
After deliberating overnight, Magistrate Greg Grogin ruled to bar all witnesses from the hearing. An exception was later made for investigating officers. Schulz is accused of unlawfully killing a man while he was unarmed, and several military witnesses have been called to testify regarding the evidence they might provide if the case progresses to trial.
One witness, who served as a signal operator, was questioned about a controversial practice known as “throwdowns,” where incriminating items may be planted on a deceased individual to fabricate a justification for the killing. Military reports suggest that Mohammad was detected with a Taliban radio, while a superior officer claimed he appeared to be trying to evade the unit.
Quilty spent nearly a decade in Afghanistan before returning to Australia, where he continues to report on the conflict. His work has earned him multiple accolades, including nine Walkley Awards, highlighting his significant contributions to war journalism.
The committal hearing is ongoing as Schulz faces serious allegations stemming from his time in Afghanistan, drawing attention to issues of accountability within military operations.