Source: Radio New Zealand
Devonport Naval Base is in line for big upgrades. RNZ / Kim Baker Wilson
A navy officer accused of threatening an interpreter in Afghanistan has been found not guilty at a court martial.
The complainant had alleged the officer cornered him at Kiwi Base in Bamyan, Afghanistan in 2013 and threatened to have him “blacklisted and killed” if he met with the Minister of Defence over an immigration issue.
The allegation came more than a decade after the supposed incident, and the defence argued it never happened and was fabricated by the complainant.
A panel of three military personnel heard evidence from the complainant, the accused, and other witnesses throughout the week.
They have determined the officer is not guilty.
The acquitted officer and the complainant have each applied for permanent name suppression.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand