It comes after the Ministry of Defence and the Royal Military Police, which is accused of failing to investigate the claims, sought sweeping restrictions citing national security and privacy. Sky News is part of a number of media outlets that submitted challenges to the application.
A public inquiry into allegations of war crimes by British armed forces in Afghanistan will be held partly in secret, the chair has decided.
Sir Charles Haddon-Cave ruled some evidence, witness identities and testimonies will be limited to closed sessions which the media and public are prohibited from attending. It comes after the Ministry of Defence and the Royal Military Police , which is accused of failing to investigate the claims, sought sweeping restrictions citing national security and privacy.In his decision, Lord Justice Haddon-Cave said there are"cogent national security and other reasons why many hearings will need to be held entirely in closed [behind closed doors]." Sky News has asked the inquiry to explain what"other reasons" means.
The chair said he studied the evidence and concluded"for reasons set out in my closed ruling, it amounts to a strong and compelling case that there is a real risk that serious national security damage would be caused" if the MoD's application for secrecy was not granted. The order withholds from disclosure information relating to methods, tactics and equipment of UK and foreign partner operatives, as well as details of the identity of MoD and RMP witnesses. It prohibits public access to"risk of information," though the chair himself seeks clarity on what that means.
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