OTTAWA – The Board of Inquiry (BOI) report for the 14 June 2006 Afghanistan detainee incident was made public today. The Board of Inquiry confirmed that Canadian Forces members acted appropriatelyon 14 June 2006, taking positive actionwhen they realized an individual in Afghan custody had been mistreated. The Board also concluded that there were differences of interpretationof the March 2006 Theatre Standing Order (TSO) on Detainee Handling at all levels, but these issues were proactively resolved in subsequent rotationsto the point where Canada has an effective and clear detainee management policy.
The Board made no recommendations based upon this investigation, as the issues identified have already been addressed and improvements were made to the TSO and the detainee documentation and reporting process. The report concludes, "It is clear that lessons identified across the chain of command since 2006 have been applied to shape substantive improvements in detainee documentation and reporting. These improvements assure the timely passage of all necessary and relevant operational, legal, and military police information regarding detainees across the tactical and operational levels of command."
The findings of the Board are based on a thorough analysis of all evidence supported by specific reference to witness testimonies and evidence received. In accordance with the Convening Authority's intent, the investigation consisted of interviews of all relevant witnesses, including civilian, military police and expert witnesses, and a review of all pertinent legislations, regulations, orders, directives and instructions in place at the time. The Board also reviewed all pertinent investigation reports and police reports.
On 20 January 2010, the Vice Chief of Defence Staff (VCDS), convened the BOI to gain a clear understanding of the specific details of the incident of 14 June 2006, in Afghanistan, during which a person in CF custody was handed over to Afghan authorities and then taken back by CF personnel.
A copy of the final report of the BOI report is available at http://www.vcds.forces.gc.ca/boi-cde/adi-ida/index-eng.asp
-30-
