NR 08.08 - October 3, 2008
OTTAWA – The Canadian Forces Military Police, specifically the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service (CFNIS), has concluded its investigation into the alleged abuse of three detainees by Canadian Forces members in April 2006 in Afghanistan.
Following a complaint to the Military Police Complaints Commission (MPCC) by Professor Amir Attaran on January 29, 2007, the Canadian Forces Provost Marshal ordered the CFNIS to conduct an investigation into three allegations.
The first allegation investigated was whether any of the detainees were abused. The investigation found no evidence that any of the three detainees were mistreated or abused during capture, detention or transfer to Afghan authorities. The investigation also found that the injuries sustained by one of the detainees were the result of that individual engaging one of the CF members and trying to seize a weapon. In light of the circumstances it was concluded that CF personnel applied reasonable force within the scope of their duties and acted in accordance with the Rules of Engagement. The second detainee sustained minor scrapes when he attempted to escape by jumping over a steep embankment. These injuries were sustained prior to their transfer to the Military Police. The third detainee sustained no injuries during the course of his capture.
The second allegation investigated was whether the three detainees were afforded proper medical care by the CF. The investigation found compelling evidence that all three of the detainees were provided appropriate medical care throughout the entire period they were in custody of the CF.
The third allegation investigated was whether the Military Police should have initiated an investigation into the cause of the detainees' injuries. After an extensive investigation into this allegation, the CFNIS concluded that no reasonable grounds existed to support charges under the National Defence Act. The Military Police Complaints Commission is addressing the professional conduct of the members of the Military Police as part of their separate investigation.
"The CFNIS spent considerable time and resources on this complex investigation," stated Lieutenant-Colonel Gilles Sansterre, Commanding Officer of the CFNIS. "The investigation was a thorough process which included in excess of one hundred interviews across Canada, the United States and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan." The CFNIS is an independent Military Police unit with a mandate to investigate serious and sensitive matters in relation to National Defence property, Departmental employees and Canadian Forces personnel serving in Canada and abroad.
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Media Contact:
Captain Paule Poulin
Public Affairs Officer
Canadian Forces Provost Marshal
(613) 949-1022
