Former Australian Army lawyer David McBride has been sentenced to five years and eight months for disclosing information about alleged Australian war crimes in Afghanistan, despite supporters’ concerns that the government prioritised punishing him over the alleged perpetrators.
McBride’s imprisonment, condemned by advocates as a threat to press freedom, marks a “dark day for Australian democracy,” with ramifications for potential whistleblowers, stated Rawan Arraf of the Australian Centre for International Justice.
The sentencing comes nearly seven years after David McBride provided information for the ABC’s publication of the “Afghan Files,” which revealed alleged war crimes. This led to an unprecedented raid on ABC headquarters by the Australian Federal Police, which also verified allegations in a government inquiry.
McBride’s defence emphasised the public interest in exposing wrongdoing rather than secrecy. However, he was sentenced, with parole eligibility in 2026.
The sentencing coincides with ongoing investigations into alleged war crimes, with a former soldier charged with murder. Meanwhile, Australia’s most decorated soldier, Ben Roberts-Smith, faces allegations of involvement in Afghan civilian murders.
McBride’s case underscores the complexities of whistleblowing, as highlighted by journalist Dan Oakes, who faced legal action for his role in the Afghan Files. Oakes received an Order of Australia Medal for his journalism but acknowledged the nuanced nature of such reporting.
Supporters, including journalists, senators, and human rights advocates, rallied behind David McBride, highlighting the importance of protecting whistleblowers and press freedom. The case has broader implications, particularly amid Julian Assange’s extradition hearings, raising concerns about the treatment of those who expose government misconduct.