Veterans minister Johnny Mercer could face fines or imprisonment for refusing to disclose the names of whistleblowers who raised concerns about alleged executions by members of the SAS in Afghanistan.
The MP has been warned he may be breaking the law by refusing to give names. Inquiry laws permit fines and even prison sentences if requests are not met. READ MORE:Veterans minister Johnny Mercer could face prison after he refused to reveal the identities of whistleblowers in Britain's special forces who raised concerns about the alleged executions of Afghans conducted by members of the SAS .
Sir Charles Haddon-Cave, chair of the inquiry, told Mr Mercer during a hearing that he has 'very significant powers' under the Inquiries Act 2005 which he would be willing to use if necessary. Inquiry chair Sir Charles Haddon-Cave told Mr Mercer he had 'very significant powers' under the Act that he would use if necessary
READ MORE: Extraordinary scenes as Johnny Mercer hits back at demands to name officers who told him about alleged Afghanistan crimes Advertisement The Telegraph reports that Lord Justice Haddon-Cave warned the veterans minister he ran the risk of being 'part of what is, in effect, an omertà, a wall of silence, and this wall of silence is obstructing the inquiry and access to the truth'.
'I have, I'm afraid, very significant powers under the Inquiries Act 2005, which I would prefer not to have to use. But you can be assured, Mr Mercer, that I will if necessary.'
Johnny Mercer Veterans Minister Whistleblowers SAS Afghanistan Executions Inquiry Legal Consequences
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