Afghan prisoner mistreatment probe
The Australian military has said it is investigating allegations that soldiers mistreated prisoners in Afghanistan.
The claims were made by a senior Afghan National Army commander during a weekend meeting with Nato-led International Security Assistance Force officers.
The Australian Broadcasting Corp said the claims of mistreatment were made by four members of the Taliban who were taken into custody after an Australian soldier was killed during an April 27 battle in central-southern Oruzgan province.
The Australian Defence Force would not confirm any details but said it takes all claims very seriously.
Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said the outcome of the investigation would be reported to him.
"Australia takes very, very seriously any suggestions of misconduct by its combat forces in the field," Mr Smith told ABC.
"I have asked to be kept informed of the outcome of those investigations, and our army personnel, the chief of our defence forces, has made it absolutely crystal clear that we do not countenance, in any way, inappropriate conduct by our forces in the field."
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