LONDON – A British judge has rejected requests to release video showing the alleged execution of an Afghan by U.K. soldiers, saying there was a real risk the footage could be used for terrorist propaganda and put British military personnel at risk.
The footage — recorded by a helmet-mounted camera and allegedly showing a soldier shooting an injured Afghan insurgent in the chest — was shown at a court martial last week for Royal Marines charged with the Afghan's murder.
Several media organizations — including Guardian News and Media and Times Newspapers — had applied for the footage to be released. The Ministry of Defense objected.
In a written ruling Monday, Judge Advocate General Jeff Blackett said he erred "on the side of safety" in rejecting the application.
