2 British soldiers convicted of abusing Afghans

A British soldier has been fined and an officer demoted after admitting abusing civilians in
Afghanistan.

A 22-year-old serviceman who has since left the army admitted two charges of breaching service discipline during a
2011-12 tour.

In one incident he pulled the hand of an Afghan child toward his crotch while saying “touch my special place.” In
another he verbally abused an Afghan boy.

A judge accepted there was no sexual motive, and the soldier was cleared of more serious charges.

A 23-year-old officer, photographed next to an Afghan man carrying a racist sign, admitted a racially aggravated offence and had his rank reduced.

Neither soldier was identified for security reasons.

Britain’s Press Association news agency reported that the pair pleaded guilty today at a court- martial in Sennelager,Germany.

———————–(AP)