An inquiry into Hit and Run allegations

Newshub reports:

The Government has launched an inquiry into Operation Burnham – the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) raid at the centre of investigative journalism work Hit and Run.

The book by Nicky Hager and Jon Stephenson alleges the NZDF took part in a night-time raid on a village, during which civilians were targeted and property deliberately destroyed.

The book claims six civilians – including a three-year-old – were killed, and 15 others injured.

NZDF says one insurgent was killed during the raid, and says it’s possible ammunition fired from a coalition helicopter “had fallen short of its target” and hit two buildings. As a result, a report from ISAF/Afghanistan Government found “civilian casualties may have occurred.”

The inquiry will be former PM Sir Geoffrey Palmer and former Supreme Court Judge Sir Terrence Arnold.

It is worth noting that David Parker has said:

“The footage I have reviewed does not seem to me to corroborate some key aspects of the book Hit & Run.

“The footage suggests that there was a group of armed individuals in the village.

So why are they holding an inquiry? Because they demanded one when they were in Opposition!

Will Hager and Stephenson accept the findings of the inquiry, or only if they back their allegations? Will they apologise to NZDF if an inquiry finds their allegations are incorrect?