Hearings start in Independent Inquiry relating to Afghanistan

Opening statements in the Independent Inquiry relating to Afghanistan (the IIA), chaired by the Right Honourable Sir Charles Haddon-Cave, began today and will last until Wednesday.

John Goss appears at the hearings as first junior counsel for the Royal Military Police.

Additionally, Claire Palmer is a member of the IIA’s own counsel team.

The IIA is investigating allegations of extra-judicial killings by UK Special Forces in the course of deliberate detention operations in Afghanistan between 2010 and 2013. It is also investigating whether those allegations were covered up, and the adequacy of the criminal investigations into those allegations by the Royal Military Police.

After opening statements this week, the IIA will begin taking evidence, including extensive CLOSED evidence into the conduct of Special Forces operations.

The IIA can be followed via its website.

John has extensive experience as an advocate in public inquiries and inquests, particularly relating to national security. He is a member of the Attorney General’s C Panel and regularly acts in inquests and inquiries for the Ministry of Defence, Counter Terrorism Policing and for police forces.

Claire is a member of the Attorney General’s A Panel. She acts in public inquiries, civil claims and employment matters. She is ranked as a Leading Junior for Inquests & Inquiries in both Legal 500 and Chambers UK.

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Related barristers

Claire Palmer

Call 2003

John Goss

Call 2015