NR – 09.044 - June 9, 2009
OTTAWA – Vice-Admiral J.A.D. Rouleau, the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff (VCDS), issued the following statement upon the release of the final report concerning the Board of Inquiry (BOI) into the In-Theatre Handling of Detainees.
The Board was tasked to investigate the nature, extent and circumstances surrounding any use of force by Canadian Forces (CF) personnel in the capture, treatment and processing of persons detained by the CF on or about April 6 and 7, 2006 in Afghanistan. The investigation included an examination of the medical care administered to the detainees, as well as a detailed examination of the orders, directives, and procedures governing detainee treatment at the time.
"I have carefully reviewed the report, into the circumstances surrounding the treatment and handling of three detainees on or about April 6 and 7, 2006 in Afghanistan and have found it complete and well-prepared. The report recalls the sequence of events and the situational context. The Board concluded that the three detainees were handled professionally and humanely by CF members with whom they came into contact. I fully support the findings and the recommendations of the Board.
I am also extremely impressed and encouraged by the professionalism and compassion of CF members in all aspects."
A copy of the final report of the BOI is available at www.forces.gc.ca
