2018 ANNUAL - Australian Federal Police
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
ANNUAL 2018
Contents
The platypus has been adopted by the Australian
Commissioner’s message 5
Federal Police as a symbol representing the diverse
requirements placed on members in the execution of
their duties.
Keeping Australia safe in 2018 6
This unique and tenacious Australian animal is a
survivor against increasing pressure from today’s Games, set and match 8
environment. It leaves no stone unturned in its daily
pursuits and has equipped itself with a range of
features to adapt to changes over many years. ‘Sollies’ OBE 12
It is capable of passing unnoticed if required, yet it Cover images: Selected
demonstrates an unfailing dedication to explore all photos from this edition. A new post combatting an
possibilities in an effort to maintain its special place in
Australia’s environment. ever-evolving threat 16
Although generally a peaceful animal, the platypus
is able to defend itself, if necessary, with a venomous
spur. This is done, at times, against larger and more
Be comfortable
powerful opponents—a quality admired and respected being uncomfortable 22
by members of the Australian Federal Police.
Hope for families waiting for
a loved one to come home 28
Community recognition for a
local hero 30
Making sense of Srebrenica 32
Edition 123 Polilight: the invention that
Editor: Dom Byrne
Design: Liz Grant changed modern day policing 38
AFP Media and Production
ISSN 1441-8061
AFP Platypus Magazine is the journal
of the Australian Federal Police.
Stepping up for APEC 44
Requests for permission to reprint material
appearing in Platypus, and all general
correspondence, should be addressed to:
Remembering the Hilton 48
The Editor
AFP Platypus Magazine
Government and Communications
2018 a year in pictures 52
GPO Box 401
Canberra ACT 2601
Telephone (02) 6131 3000
Email: news@afp.gov.au
Opinions expressed in published articles
are those of the authors and do not
necessarily reflect AFP policy.
AFP PLATYPUS MAGAZINE 2018 Annual 3
Platypus Magazine is now a blog.
Commissioner’s
message
As another year draws to a close, I am proud and humbled But in reflecting on how we have grown, it is important to
by the diversity of the AFP’s work, and the results we’ve remember that the core focus of our work has not changed.
achieved. As a responsive and agile agency, the AFP’s It’s been nearly 40 years since the Hilton Hotel bombing,
ability to respond to new and emerging priorities in which resulted in the formation of the Australian Federal
Australia and around the world means our members are Police in 1979.
often asked to help in a variety of ways.
Our core values of integrity, excellence, respect,
This year, our specialist divers were part of the international accountability, commitment, fairness and trust, remain
effort to save a Thai soccer team trapped in a flooded cave the bedrock of who we are as an organisation, and are
system. Their resilience in the face of overwhelming odds, reflected in the achievements of our members.
their ability to work in partnership with Thai authorities
The 2018 Platypus Annual reflects on the different ways
and other partners, and their bravery in undertaking an
we serve – from providing support to the International War
exceptionally risky rescue, demonstrates the best of the
Crimes Tribunal to supporting our neighbours in Solomon
AFP to Australia and the rest of the world.
Islands strengthen their justice system. This work can take
Our partnerships are our strength, and this is again its toll, and I would like to recognise the high price some of
highlighted in this year’s Platypus Annual. As part of the our members pay to serve their communities.
Home Affairs Portfolio, through our international network,
In celebrating our achievements this year, I also
and in supporting APEC in Papua New Guinea, the AFP
acknowledge the work we are continuing to ensure we
continues to actively engage with the international law
reflect the diversity of the community we serve, and the
enforcement community and relevant partner agencies. As
health of our members.
part of Australia’s national security framework and through
our local and international work, the AFP will continue to I look forward to another year of progress and partnerships,
serve our community to ensure its ongoing safety now, and and hope you enjoy reading this annual as much as I
into the future. have. From all of us in the AFP family, stay safe during the
Christmas holiday period, and have a prosperous 2019.
One of the areas we continue to add value is through
innovation, upholding an ongoing tradition that is
recognised in this annual with the story of the Polilight; an
invention that has changed the face of forensic science and
Platypus Magazine has been the AFP’s Since early 2018, Platypus Online has become
transformed modern day policing. It all started with a good
flagship publication since 1979. a regularly updated blog; a dedicated and
idea; and today we continue to seek out new ways to do
During the years, it was primarily a printed dynamic section of the AFP website offering
business and improve outcomes. This is reflected in much
magazine, but with changing technology, an enriched experience including: videos,
of the work we’ve been doing to prepare our agency for the
publication costs and ways that people now photo slideshows, shareable articles and an
law enforcement landscape of the future. Commissioner Andrew Colvin APM OAM
access information, it has evolved towards accessible interface which works well on all
meeting an increasingly online readership. mobile devices. Explore Platypus Online now!
afp.gov.au/platypus
4 AFP PLATYPUS MAGAZINE 2018 Annual AFP PLATYPUS MAGAZINE 2018 Annual 5
Officers dismantle Two tonnes of GBL washed
group assisting parental from Sydney’s streets
abductions
A joint AFP and Australian Border
A two-year investigation into a group Force operation resulted in the seizure
assisting parental abductions came of 2 tonnes of illicit drug gamma-
to resolution in October, with three butyrolactone – commonly referred to
men arrested and others served Court as liquid ecstasy, fantasy and ‘coma
Attendance Notices. The group were in a bottle’.
Keeping
allegedly organising activities allowing
A 30-year-old man was charged for his
women to abduct their children in
role in this seizure, one of Australia’s
breach of family law orders – including
largest, which has a street value of
portraying fathers as child abusers on
$10 million.
social media.
Australia
Arrest for defrauding
Disability Insurance Money laundering, foreign
A 36-year-old Victorian man
incursion uncovered
became the first person charged A long-term money laundering
Safe in
by the National Disability and foreign incursion offences
Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Fraud investigation by the NSW Joint Counter
Taskforce. He allegedly took over Terrorism Team (JCTT) produced
$400,000 between June and July, results in June with the arrests of two
2018
affecting over 200 individual men. The team – comprising the AFP,
NDIS funds. NDIS Fraud Taskforce NSW Police Force, ASIO and the NSW
members executed a search and Crime Commission - had in late 2017
seized a BMW 7 series limousine, a made arrests for offences relating
Toyota Hilux and designer clothing to proceeds of crime and allegedly
and jewellery. travelling to a conflict zone.
Charges over family day care Second largest cocaine
US jail time for grooming 500kg of cocaine seized in payment fraud seizure
Australian teen online Solomon Islands Two people were charged by the AFP An AFP-led investigation into an
Following an international The seizure of 500 kilograms of in May for fraudulent family day care alleged organised crime syndicate
investigation the AFP the US cocaine from a yacht docked at the payment claims totalling $5.7 million resulted in Australia’s second largest
sentenced a man to 35 years Honiara marina in the Solomon Islands in 2017. The investigation revealed seizure of cocaine – 1.28 tonnes.
imprisonment for grooming an sparked an international investigation. a Sydney family day care operator With a street value of nearly half
Australian teenage girl online. A It is believed the cocaine was placed had falsely made the claims for a billion dollars, the cocaine was
missing persons report had been on board the vessel in South America the enrolment of more than 1,600 imported to Australia from China
filed for the then 16-year-old girl and was destined for Australia. Two children in one month – seeking via a container of pre-fabricated steel.
with the NSW Police in April 2017. men were arrested in Sydney over reimbursement of costs for caring Two men were extradited from Serbia
The man had coaxed her to travel the haul after investigations by the for children for up to 14 hours a day, for their involved in the importation
to the US without her parents’ AFP, Royal Solomon Islands Police five days a week. and subsequently charged.
knowledge, paying for her flights Force, the US Drug Enforcement
and falsifying travel documents. Administration, the Australian Criminal
Intelligence Commission, NSW Police
Force and Australian Border Force.
6 AFP PLATYPUS MAGAZINE 2018 Annual AFP PLATYPUS MAGAZINE 2018 Annual 7
Games, set
and match:
AFP calls a wrap
When Australia participates Critical elements of Games security spectators and tourists transiting
were the AFPs’ presence at Gold Coast through the airport daily.
in major global events,
Airport, on the surrounding Gold Coast
the AFP is there to keep Being part of the AFP presence at a
waterways and in other ‘behind the
major airport isn’t all about pursuing
Australians safe.
on Commonwealth
scenes’ operations – never straight
criminal matters. Gold Coast Airport
forward tasks by any means, and even
Already this year, the men and women Police Commander Sascha Rayner
more so during times of peak, major
of the AFP helped protect our citizens said a major role for the AFP at the
event demand.
at Anzac Day commemorations airport is building relationships with
in Turkey and France, the Winter The indoor concourse of the airport the businesses and agencies that
Games operations
Olympics and Paralympics in Korea, is one long hallway, broken up by make up the airport community – and
and on home soil in April we were baggage carousels, shops, check-in in reassuring the travelling public that
proud to help deliver a successful and counters and security checkpoints. The the AFP wants them to enjoy their
safe Commonwealth Games on the Commonwealth Games made it much holiday or return home.
Gold Coast. busier, with athletes, officials, family,
8 AFP PLATYPUS MAGAZINE 2018 Annual AFP PLATYPUS MAGAZINE 2018 Annual 9
Official duties saw AFP Maritime patrol from AFP Maritime members were embedded with Queensland
Coolangatta right through to the northern end of Police to patrol waterways around the Gold Coast,
Above: Being “An important part of our regular “During the Commonwealth Games all our members based and seconded the Gold Coast. particularly those hosting events or adjacent to venues.
part of the AFP
presence is to make people aware that period we increased our numbers due here during this three-week period.”
presence at Gold
Coast Airport we are here to help them if they need to the high volumes of people coming
Outside of the airport, the AFP
wasn’t all about it, and ensure they can move through through the airport – that includes
provided specialist resources to assist “Special thanks needs to be extended Detective Leading Senior Constable
pursuing criminal the airport safely to wherever else they the competitors, voluntary staff and
matters. Queensland Police in protecting the to members of the AFP Special Events Chris Markcrow noted the operating
are going,” Superintendent Rayner normal passengers,” she said.
community during the games. Planning Team, in particular Federal environment was familiar as AFP
said. This was particularly so during
“I love my job, I love what I do. I love Agent Michael Hargreaves and Federal members built upon relationships
the Games. National Coordinator Protection
the people I work with. Just to be part Agent Scott Gilbert from Brisbane with their Queensland colleagues
Assessments and Liaison Michael
“The increased movement of people of the Commonwealth Games and to office, who each worked tirelessly on developed during the Brisbane G20
Jarratt oversaw the coordination of
through the airport during the be foot on the ground, it’s fantastic, the planning and delivery of the AFP summit in 2014. What wasn’t so
the AFP’s support and liaison efforts
Commonwealth Games meant it I’m very appreciative.” component of this event over several familiar was operating in salt water,
during the Commonwealth Games.
was all hands on deck for our Gold years in the lead up to the Games.” which is different for crews used
Coast staff. We also had extra people to operating vessels in fresh water
AFP Maritime members were
come in from our Brisbane office and environments in and around Canberra.
embedded with Queensland Police
airport to increase patrols all around
the airport precinct, bolster our
“The continued smooth operation of the to patrol waterways around the Gold On dry land, the AFP also supplied
intelligence and support functions, Gold Coast during the Commonwealth Games Coast, particularly those hosting
events or adjacent to venues.
equipment and trained operators to
enhance and assist Queensland Police
and give us the ability to respond to
any incidents.” is definitely a success for the AFP, and for the Sergeant Greg Corin from the
search capabilities during the 2018
Commonwealth Games.
The AFP’s ‘Z Backscatter Vans’ were
deployed to identify large organic
Specialist Response Group said the
The AFP worked closely with partner work of all our members based and seconded AFP contributed a detachment of eight Part of this assistance was the AFP’s
materials hidden within vehicles,
such as drugs and explosives.
agencies and terminal operators
responsible for passenger screening here during this three-week period.” people – four boat drivers and four
deck hands – to assist the Queensland
Z Backscatter Vans (ZBV). The ZBV
is a mobile, non-intrusive X-ray unit
as part of a multi-layered approach to
Police Service with their maritime designed to identify large organic
security in the aviation environment.
responsibilities. materials hidden within vehicles,
This included regular patrols
“There is a lot of work from different particularly drugs and explosives.
conducted through the terminal by While Commonwealth Games “We’re essentially working from
areas of the AFP that goes into events
foot, and by bicycle and car around competitors can look to medal tallies Coolangatta in open water areas A group of members were trained and
such as this, with most of that effort
the wider precinct. to gauge their success, it is much where the beach volleyball is being deployed to the Gold Coast – along
expended in the lead-up to the games
harder for the AFP. held, all the way through to the with regular ZBV operators – for a
Constable Rani Davis is one of the rather than during it,” Superintendent
northern end of the Gold Coast,” six-week operation as part of a multi-
AFP members at Gold Coast Airport “Success for us is prevention, Jarratt said.
he said. layered vehicle search area at the
primarily responsible for counter awareness and deterrence, but you
“In many ways, the ultimate measure games precinct. The vans were also
terrorism first response duties and can’t measure that like you can arrests, “One of the events that the
of the success of our planning, deployed to search duties at other
general duties policing of the airport charges or seizures,” Superintendent water police component of the
coordination and activity – and that locations, such as scanning buses
community. And she wasn’t immune to Rayner said. Commonwealth Games overlay
of Queensland Police and all of our used to transport Games athletes and
the buzz when the Games finally came worked towards was the conduct of
“The continued smooth operation partner agencies – is that the general their families.
to town. the triathlon.”
of the Gold Coast during the public doesn’t notice anything out of
Commonwealth Games is definitely a the ordinary and have a good time in a
success for the AFP, and for the work of safe and secure environment.”
10 AFP PLATYPUS MAGAZINE 2018 Annual AFP PLATYPUS MAGAZINE 2018 Annual 11
‘Sollies’ OBE:
it’s an honour for us all
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has gone
from being a major receiver of aid to a law enforcement
agency being called on to train counterparts in other Pacific
nations. It’s a remarkable turnaround.
The Royal Solomon Islands Police of the Order of Australia, from the Manager (former) International
Force (RSIPF) has gone from being Solomon Islands’ Government, former Deployment Group and National
a major receiver of aid to a law Assistant Commissioner Prendergast Manager Operations Support all gave
enforcement agency being called on has a genuine intent to acknowledge me the tools that I needed when I
to train counterparts in other Pacific the role of others in transforming went into the Solomons.”
nations. It’s a remarkable turnaround. the RSIPF.
Elections the key
The difference in position and “It took me by surprise to receive
capability over the past decade has the OBE, and I’m quite humbled by The 2014 Solomon Islands elections
been enormous and is, in part, the the fact that I’ve been awarded the were something of a turning point for
reason that former AFP Assistant honour. It really reflects on all the the RSIPF and then newly appointed
Commissioner Frank Prendergast has good work that was done by many, Commissioner, Frank Prendergast, who
received the AFP’s first ‘Order of the many AFP people in the Solomons was sworn in August that year.
British Empire’ for services to policing over a long period of time, and also Concurrent organisational, cultural and
and the community for his efforts in my colleagues in the RSIPF. operational challenges awaited, along
transforming the RSIPF into where it
“When you look at RAMSI it actually with pressing upcoming events and
finds itself today.
stands out internationally as a very the ongoing development of the RSIPF
His work – and that of many AFP successful capacity mission and a toward an impending ‘draw down’ of
The work of former AFP
Assistant Commissioner Frank members over time – has changed the stability operation. the major role played by RAMSI to a
Prendergast – and many other face, reputation and accountability of Solomon Islands Police Development
AFP members – has seen “We restored order, we built the
the RSIPF, restoring public confidence Program (SIPDP) in 2017.
community confidence restored
in the Royal Solomon Islands
Former AFP Assistant in the force to its community. The
police force in markedly quicker
timeframes than people have been But first on the agenda was the
Police Force.
Commissioner Frank Regional Assistance Mission to
Solomon Islands (RAMSI) has been the
able to do internationally – and a looming national election in November
successful conclusion of RAMSI last 2014. Ensuring the elections were safe
Prendergast has received driver behind the change, but not the
year is testament to how successful and secure was a test the RSIPF had
only thing responsible for it.
the AFP’s first ‘Order of the In his last role in the AFP, former
the Mission has been, and is evidence
of the effort that everyone put into
to pass.
The force was already under
British Empire’ for services to Assistant Commissioner Prendergast
(retired) was the the AFP’s National
that Mission. pressure with allegations that it was
unresponsive and lacking in discipline.
policing and the community Manager Workplace and Development.
“It is something that the AFP and
everyone involved with can be rightly The community was concerned about
In this role he was also involved in
for his efforts in transforming transforming organisational culture,
proud of.” whether the RSIPF could manage.
There was also criticism, unfair in
Top: Solomon Islands Police Force
Commissioner Walter Kola presenting
“The rest of my career prepared AFP Assistant Commissioner Frank
the RSIPF into where it finds and says his experience in the
Solomon Islands has shown him how me for the challenge - my time as
Assistant Commissioner Prendergast’s Prendergast with his OBE.
view, over its management of the April
itself today. important it is to have the backing of
a committed team. And in receiving
an investigator in Melbourne and
Adelaide, my time managing Adelaide
2014 floods and subsequent riots.
Bottom: 2014: AFP Assistant
Commissioner Frank Prendergast
accepts the Sword of Allegiance from
the OBE, which is the equivalent and Melbourne offices, National
Royal Solomon Islands Police Force
Manager Counter Terrorism, National Acting Commissioner Juanita Matanga
during his swearing in.
12 AFP PLATYPUS MAGAZINE 2018 Annual AFP PLATYPUS MAGAZINE 2018 Annual 13
Right: 2014 – AFP “Now that doesn’t happen because capacity development rather than “Everyone who has been involved in the
Commander Greg Harrigan one person comes in. That happens operational policing. PPF and RAMSI should be very proud of
welcomes extra AFP support
staff to the Solomon Islands
because the latent capability exists what has been achieved.”
“The RSIPF is looking to the new
ahead of the country’s and it just needed the right leadership
program to build on the partnership AFP Commissioner Andrew Colvin said
General Elections. approach to bring it out.
that exists with the PPF, and to he was proud to see the Solomon Islands
“It also occurs because the RSIPF has focus on building RSIPF’s capability, Government recognise AC Prendergast with
a lot of very talented and committed improving RSIPF corporate support an OBE.
staff who were trying to do the right and assisting with the implementation
“I congratulate him for his outstanding
thing, and because the PPF has of a ‘Crime Prevention Model’.
service to the people of the Solomon
been working hard for a long time to
“The bottom line is,” Assistant Islands and his ongoing leadership role
Being ready for the completion develop RSIPF capacity and capability.
Commissioner Prendergast says, “The with the AFP. It again demonstrates the
of the RAMSI mission in mid-
“I was in the fortunate position of RSIPF has been working without a lot significant, positive outcomes the AFP
2017 was a national priority and
being able to build on the good work of operational assistance - for the past can achieve when it works closely with
concern. “Everyone’s minds go
of a lot of people so my main role three years, particularly. its international partners to address
back to the [election] troubles in
was to build an environment that transnational crime, and in this case,
2005-2006,” he said. “I am pleased to say that the RSIPF
enabled the potential that existed to regional stability,” he said.
Executive and the police force have
“The police force was under a lot be realised.
managed all its competing priorities
of pressure because of discipline
“In this I had a lot of valuable support very well, and I believe there is a
issues and the accusations that
from a range of Participating Police growing confidence within the police
they were non‑responsive – all
Force and RSIPF officers particularly force that ‘yes, we can do this’.”
these types of factors.”
the Commander PPF Greg Harrigan,
“It is very clear to me that with an
“It is something that
Not only were the elections Above: 2016 – Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner Juanita
successful – but the RSIPF Frank Prendergast addresses guests at an RSIPF event. Matanga.”
appropriate leadership team in place, the AFP and everyone
the work that RAMSI has done over the
earned international praise for its
operational conduct. Importantly, Remarkable progress
years has really paid dividends which involved can be rightly
you can see in the development of the
the Solomon Islands community
The progress of the RSIPF since the RSIPF today. proud of.”
found new confidence in its
Below: 2015 – Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Commissioner 2014 elections has been remarkable.
police force.
Frank Prendergast joins Solomon Islands Government officials Former Assistant Commissioner
Former Assistant Commissioner and then Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands Prendergast said the RSIPF has
Special Coordinator Justine Braithwaite to open the new RSIPF transformed from being a major
Prendergast says the missing
headquarters on the island of Malaita.
ingredient was appropriate and receiver of aid to an RSIPF that is
accountable leadership, which increasingly training other Pacific
had led to discipline issues and nations.
a lack of accountability, which in
As RAMSI transitions into the SIPDP,
turn resulted in inconsistent and at
Solomon Islands will still look to
times sub-standard performance.
its partners, particularly Australia
Developing the appropriate and New Zealand, for support. But
leadership team and restoring that support will be much more
standards was the absolute key in the nature of capability and
priority, and while this was an
ongoing endeavour over the
next two-and-a-half years, it paid
almost immediate dividends.
“When I arrived I commenced
immediately renewing and
developing the leadership team as
well as enforcing basic standards
and the performance of the police 2016 – Royal Solomon
force improved quite remarkably Islands Police Force (RSIPF)
Commissioner Frank
and rapidly,” he says. Prendergast inspects an RSIPF
guard of honour.
Right: The Royal Solomon
Islands Police Force has
been delivering cyber
safety information
courses to community
schools since 2014.
14 AFP PLATYPUS MAGAZINE 2018 Annual AFP PLATYPUS MAGAZINE 2018 Annual 15
A new post
combating an
ever-evolving threat
AFP Senior Liaison Office (SLO)
Conrad Jensen has put his hand up
to assist Mexican law enforcement
disrupt some of the most violent
drug cartels in the world.
16 AFP PLATYPUS MAGAZINE 2018 Annual AFP PLATYPUS MAGAZINE 2018 Annual 17
A forensics officer
reconstructs the
faces of unidentified
murder victims in the
Mexican Federal Police
forensics facility.
Upper: Mexican Since October 2017, AFP Senior Liaison The United Nations Office on Drugs “The CJNG and the other Mexican located in the Constituyentes area
Federal Police
tactical response Office (SLO) Conrad Jensen has led and Crime reports Mexico is one of the cartels are a global problem which where the organisation’s headquarters
demonstrates the AFP’s international liaison office top 10 embarkation points by weight needs worldwide cooperation. and forensic facility is located. The
capability. in Mexico, establishing a post to for amphetamine-type stimulants, We are working to infiltrate these compound also houses a high-tech
enhance law enforcement cooperation a relatively new development for a organisations and disrupt their “intelligence bunker” from where
and intelligence sharing between country known for criminal groups criminal activities,” SLO Jensen said. Mexican law enforcement support
Lower: Mexican
Federal Police Australia and Mexico, primarily that export cocaine. Mexico is listed operational activity across the country
“Meth is not a just a policing problem
demonstrates its to counter the supply of cocaine as fifth. through air and sea surveillance.
– it is an attack on our society, both
all-female riot and methamphetamines (meth)
police team in But who is behind the supply of illicit here in Mexico and back home, which The second was the Contel Facility
to Australia.
action. drugs in Mexico? The Cartel Jalisco is destroying individuals, families and where the 60 Minutes/AFP film crew
“The AFP is working closely with Nueva Generación (CJNG) and the communities.” were provided displays from canine,
Central American law enforcement to Sinaloa Cartel are two of the largest riot police, tactical response and
The global focus on meth prompted
Previous page: be part of a solution to what is a very in an ever-evolving list of Mexican hostage rescue teams.
60 Minutes reporter Tom Steinfort
AFP Senior complex problem,” SLO Jensen said. organised crime groups. The CJNG
Liaison Officer
to travel to Mexico City in March The Contel Facility is the largest
began in 2007 as an armed wing
Conrad Jensen “In Mexico we’re partnering with the to meet with Conrad Jensen and to policing facility in Mexico City. It
of the Sinaloa Cartel and became
regularly meets Mexican Federal Police, the Attorney see the capabilities of the Mexican houses a large number of specialist
with his Mexican independent in 2010. Led by Nemesio
General’s Office of Mexico (PGR) and Federal Police. units from the Federal Forces and
Federal Police Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El
counterparts in
other agencies to share intelligence on Gendarmerie Divisions. It also has
Mencho”, the CJNG is known as the 60 Minutes was provided rare access
the Constituyentes the organised crime threat.” a large helicopter facility, training
most violent criminal group in Mexico. by the Mexican Federal Police to two AFP Senior Liaison Officer Conrad Jensen in the
facility. bases and a memorial to their fallen
facilities in Mexico City. The first was Mexican Federal Police “intelligence bunker.”
police officers.
18 AFP PLATYPUS MAGAZINE 2018 Annual AFP PLATYPUS MAGAZINE 2018 Annual 19AFP Senior Liaison Officer Conrad Jensen in the
Mexican Federal Police “intelligence bunker”
AFP Senior Liaison Officer Conrad Jensen
speaks with 60 Minutes in a former
monastery in Morelia.
Australian drug busts from Mexico
60 Minutes also interviewed AFP Deputy Commissioner Operations
Neil Gaughan on the issue of demand of these dangerous drugs.
“Meth consumption in this country is significant – the second highest
in the OECD world – and unless we try and do something to stem the
demand issue, regardless what we do around supply, we’re going
to continue to have issues in this country,” Deputy Commissioner
Gaughan said.
The AFP continues to see a significant number of seizures of meth
coming to Australia from Mexico, with links to Australian outlaw
motorcycle gangs and West African organised crime.
In late February, two women were arrested in Sydney
Upper: At the Contel Facility, the Mexican The film crew then moved to a former for their alleged involvement in importing 24 kilograms
60 Minutes Federal Police Commissioner Manelich monastery in Morelia where Tom of methamphetamine (meth) hidden inside home audio
reporter Tom
Steinfort
Castilla Craviotto told 60 Minutes law Steinfort asked SLO Jensen why the speakers. The drugs had an estimated street value of
interviews enforcement has the determination to AFP feels it is important to have a $20.7 million and one of the women is facing offences
Mexican tackle the drug supply issue in Mexico. presence in Mexico. that could see her spend her life behind bars.
Federal Police
Commissioner “Every policeman feels fear. It is fear that “Meth is a problem in Australia and if
Manelich Castilla allows us to be alert. The right fear is an we’re not here we are not part of the
Craviotto. ally to police work, and of course we are solution. [As a police officer] I’ve seen Earlier in November 2017, a 34-year-old Mexican
Lower: afraid. But our conviction in the face of the impact meth has on the Australian man arriving into Melbourne on a flight from Los
60 Minutes this problem is much greater. Fear will community, people overdosing and Angeles was stopped after a small quantity of cocaine
reporter Tom
Steinfort
never be greater than our conviction,” the violence that flows and I’d be was found in his possession. He was detained
interviews Commissioner Craviotto said. surprised if there are that many people and the Victorian Joint Organised Crime Taskforce
Mexican Federal in Australia that haven’t seen the began an investigation. Police enquiries led to the
Police Anti-Drugs 60 Minutes, closely escorted by the
impact,” SLO Jensen said. seizure of 300-kilograms of cocaine from a business
Head Juan Silva in Mexican Federal Police, also gained
Morelia. premises in Altona, Victoria, and the arrest of another
rare access to the cartel heartlands of “It’s an insidious drug, very addictive;
Mexican national.
Michoacán and Jalisco. They met in the people become violent and commit
picturesque main square of Morelia other crimes to service their
with Anti-Drugs Head Juan Silva who in addiction.”
Spanish outlined the work being done
to stem the production of illicit drugs.
Zócalo, Mexico City
20 AFP PLATYPUS MAGAZINE 2018 Annual AFP PLATYPUS MAGAZINE 2018 Annual 21Be comfortable
being uncomfortable
The inside story
of the AFP dive
team at Tham
Luang Cave
Mission
accomplished:
The AFP
Specialist
Response Group
Dive Team.
22 AFP PLATYPUS MAGAZINE 2018 Annual AFP PLATYPUS MAGAZINE 2018 Annual 23The AFP dive team moved and installed Senior Constable
hundreds of air tanks, industrial pumps Justin Bateman
and piping along the cave.
“The initial priority was to keep the soccer boys alive, while the tunnelling
through the cave
with the rope.
divers examined the various escape options with the pending
monsoon always in the back of their minds”
46 kilos of Electrocution and minimal Fortunately, a rope had been set up water out,” Leading Senior Constable Being electrocuted by electrical wires The world was watching work ethic they had to the mission,”
dive gear by the Thai Navy Seal divers which Kelly Boers said. wasn’t the only risk the AFP divers he said.
and air tanks air supply were just some The rescue caught the world’s
strapped to
became a lifeline for all the divers to faced. The rising carbon dioxide levels
of the entrapment hazards To manage the water levels across attention, after images of the boys “Nothing was too much work for
the divers’ guide them through the water that posed a constant threat.
some of the chambers the AFP dive found alive and well in the dark cave them. They were very inspirational.
backs. faced by the Australian connected 9 chambers.
team worked closely with the Thai Detective Leading Senior Constable We saw the way they worked
were televised, nine days after they
Federal Police dive team at “The rope guided us through the Navy Seals. Ben Cox felt the effects of the high went missing. and communicated with each
Tham Luang Cave. chambers walking up and down
“The Thai Navy Seals were responsible
carbon dioxide levels, making it three
More than 500 journalists and media
other, which made us work even
slippery rock canyons, before diving times harder for the body to function. harder. It also motivated the other
The six extraordinary divers spent for modifying the cave, and as a result outlets crowded the outskirts of
back into water and tunnelling through international parties.”
almost two weeks diving in the dark it allowed the water to drain faster and “We could feel the effects of the the cave in the Chiang Rai province
narrow areas including along a 9-metre
and murky waters of the cave system, provided easier access through some carbon dioxide, which affects the eagerly waiting, and watching The collaborative effort of multiple
zigzag decent in chamber 3,” Senior
with 46 kilos of dive gear and air tanks tighter spaces,” Detective Leading mind as well as the body,” he said. the collaborative effort of the countries demonstrated the practical
Constable Matthew Fitzgerald said.
strapped to their backs. Senior Constable Ben Cox said. “It causes confusion, and sometimes Thai Navy Seals and international reality that the divers were operating
“If we lost the rope underwater we affected my ability to swim, so regular rescue partners. in – passing the boys through
“Our days always started with a one “This also allowed our team to move
then had to focus on finding that rope, breaks were vital.” more than 100 pairs of hands to
kilometre hike in the cave along steep and install hundreds of air tanks, The rescue effort became time critical
otherwise our life was in danger.” reach safety.
canyons of rocky 50-metre inclines industrial pumps and piping into the “We had sensors to see the O2 with the monsoon rains threatening
and declines, to arrive at the entry The initial priority was to keep the cave – further reducing the water (oxygen) levels in different chambers. to flood the cave each day, destroying Mission possible
of chamber 1 which was completely soccer boys alive, while the divers levels in chamber 3.” We knew it was low but we just had to any chance for the soccer boys
flooded,” Senior Constable Matthew examined the various escape options support each other and be aware of to survive. “The call came through that the first
“The pumps ran on high voltage power
Fitzgerald said. with the pending monsoon always in fatigue,” Sergeant Robert James said. boy was on his way. We all held our
with multiple live electrical wires Senior Constable Justin Bateman
the back of their minds. breath until he surfaced within our
“We were responsible for managing running through the wet cave,” Senior “We also had many injuries including described the relationship with chamber,” Senior Constable Matthew
chambers 2-4 to secure the evacuation Food supplies were passed from Constable Justin Bateman said. a dislocated wrist, broken fingers, the Thai Navy Seals as ‘absolutely Fitzgerald said.
route, but this required diving in chamber to chamber in a daisy chain infected hands and feet, cuts and brilliant’, calling them ‘phenomenal
“It provided power to the pumps and
coffee-coloured water. We were better succession to reach chamber 9 where abrasions, and infected ears. warriors’. The water pumps had reduced the
also some lighting but also meant
off closing our eyes and feeling our the boys were found. water levels in chamber 3, which
we could control the flow of gushing “But at the end of the day, we’re police “The Thai Navy Seals never left the
way through because we couldn’t see meant the divers were able to move
“We helped carry through snack bars, water, which was almost impossible to officers. Children’s lives were at grave cave. They would sleep in the cave
a thing underwater.” the boys above water.
army style ration packs, bottled water, swim against.” risk and we were prepared to help in along different chambers and then
cooked rice and chicken, which was any way we could.” continue on working. It demonstrated “Once he was handed over to us,
tightly wrapped in plastic to keep the the type of commitment and strong we were down at his face mask just
listening for that breath,” Senior
24 AFP PLATYPUS MAGAZINE 2018 Annual AFP PLATYPUS MAGAZINE 2018 Annual 25“Some policing jobs are
a combination of both
excitement and near death
experiences. But over time
you learn not to fear or panic,
but to treat it as a puzzle and
work your way out.”
Constable Matthew Fitzgerald said. the furthest away. Little did they know “Training and experience is imperative
“He was breathing — there was the whole world was tracking their as a police diver. However, the one
instant relief.” remarkable rescue. thing that we all have in common
is the feeling of trust and reliance
“The single biggest risk for the soccer The successful mission saw the amongst fellow officers,” Detective
team was drowning,” Detective AFP dive team awarded Order of Leading Senior Constable Christopher
Leading Senior Constable Christopher Australia and Bravery medals. The Markcrow said.
Markcrow said. “The boys wore face team described meeting the Prime
masks, however these were designed Minister as ‘pretty awesome’ but also “Some policing jobs are a combination
for adults not young boys.” a humbling experience. of both excitement and near death
experiences. But over time you learn
During the dive component it was “Meeting the Prime Minister, Governor not to fear or panic, but to treat it as a
crucial for the rescue divers to General, head of the armed forces, puzzle and work your way out.”
prevent any rocks or stalactites from and having our own command at the
dislodging the boys’ face masks. medal ceremony was a very humbling “After we all exited the last chamber,
experience,” Leading Senior Constable everyone started clapping and
“We kept the rescue moving, passing cheering, and celebrating the
Kelly Boers said.
the first boy to the next group in success of what we thought would be
the following chamber where Thai “I don’t think we had a true mission impossible,” Sergeant Robert
medics, rangers and ambulances were understanding of the scope and James said.
waiting,” Senior Constable Matthew scale of the incident as it was being
Fitzgerald said. relayed through the media. Realising “It was a great moment and something
the support from home was so huge that we will never forget.”
Another vital aspect of the divers’
it was enough to bring a tear to your
work was to develop and install parts
eye. It made me feel truly proud to be
of a ‘flying fox’ pulley system, used
an Australian.”
in chamber 2 which moved the boys Senior Constable
through the evacuation route. “Detective Superintendent Thomas Matt Fitzgerald and
Senior Constable
Hester and the AFP executive were Justin Bateman.
“It was pretty surreal. There wasn’t
incredibly supportive while we were in
time to take a breath, when the
Thailand, and it made it a lot easier to
next boy arrived,” Sergeant Robert
focus on the mission of rescuing the
James said.
Detective Leading boys,” Sergeant Robert James said.
Senior Constable “We went into work mode, and once
The AFP dive team was the last to exit
Chris Markcrow the first four boys were through we
climbing through the cave on the final day of the rescue
thought ‘we’ve got this—100 percent
the narrow decent mission, ensuring everyone had safely
we can pull this off’.”
to enter chamber 3. made their way back out.
Over the next 48 hours the rest of the
“Trust, mateship, and being
boys slowly made their way through
comfortable being uncomfortable,
the cave. The soccer boys had chosen
will give any team strength to keep
the succession of who would be
pushing on,” Senior Constable
evacuated first, based on who lived
Matthew Fitzgerald said.
26 AFP PLATYPUS MAGAZINE 2018 Annual AFP PLATYPUS MAGAZINE 2018 Annual 27Hope for families Outdoor media
profiling of Sally
waiting for a loved one
Cheong in Melbourne
– donated by OMA for
NMPW 2016.
to come home
For more than 30 years National The beginning long after the initial interest of Corporate and Since 2016 McDonald’s has profiled about the missing persons and the Hirut’s son Nazrawi
(Naz) was last seen
Missing Persons Week (NMPW) their case subsided, in the hope of community support missing persons in its 900 in-store families they have left behind.
According to Mark Jones, Tony’s on 9 October 2016
a breakthrough. screens Australia-wide the hope that in North Hobart,
has provided hope to those brother, their family wanted to do The NMPCC works with corporate The approach was taken to show the
someone will recognise them. Tasmania. He was 20
something to remember Tony while Mark says the day is a source of great supporters such as the Outdoor missing as ‘people’ and not ‘profiles’,
most impacted by missing pride for the family. Chemist Warehouse also supported providing different perspectives on
years old at the time.
also giving hope to other families Media Association (OMA) and
persons in Australia. waiting for a loved one to come home. McDonalds, leveraging their networks the NMPCC and NMPW from 2013 these issues.
“It’s a silver lining after all we’ve been
NMPW is an annual event raising and resources to raise awareness of to 2017 by donating space in their
“In creating the first National through with Tony,” he said. The stories focus on different issues
awareness of the significant issues missing persons Australia-wide. monthly catalogues which were
Missing Persons Week in 1988, my relating to missing persons, including
30 years on and NMPW is now distributed to more than 6 million
associated with missing persons, as well family wanted to keep hopes of a Thanks to OMA’s generous donation financial burdens and counselling
proudly supported by government, Australian households. This was
as helping to reduce the incidence and breakthrough alive – not just for of $1 million dollars of nationwide services and reasons why people go
law enforcement, not-for-profits, supported by Chemist Warehouse
impact of missing persons in Australia. our family, but for all families with a outdoor advertising on billboards, missing, including dementia, mental
and community groups around in-store and radio advertising.
The week has evolved after originating missing loved one,” he said. bus stops, digital screens, and taxi health issues, and suicide.
the country.
in Townsville in 1988 following the backs, the faces of missing people are Collectively, with the help of corporate
The inaugural week took place The AFP, through the National ‘Hold onto Hope’ short film
disappearance of local resident, Tony everywhere during NMPW. supporters, the reach of NMPW
with a memorial service, where the Missing Person’s Coordination Centre
Jones, while hitchhiking six years before. and awareness missing persons is ‘Hold onto Hope’ was inspired by the
Mayor of Townsville planted a tree in (NMPCC), has taken the lead in driving From 2002 to 2017 the OMA has
increasing each year. real effects of living without missing
commemoration of Mr Jones. the national campaign, meeting with also supported the NMPCC to run its
annual poster competition for tertiary loved ones and the challenge of
From this small gathering, NMPW families and coordinating an array of Today
design students. ambiguous loss – specifically the
30 years on and became an annual event to help
families create public awareness
different initiatives throughout the
years; all contributing to the success The poster competition initiative
To acknowledge the 30 year desire to hold onto hope and the
anniversary this year and better physical ties associated with missing
NMPW is now of their loved-one’s disappearance of NMPW. has resulted in an incredibly diverse leverage technology, the NMPCC has loved ones.
range of posters and opportunities for
proudly supported winners to undertake work experience
produced a national digital campaign.
The theme resonates with Eileen
with the NMPCC team and competition The aim of the digital campaign is Fahey – the mother of Anthony Fahey,
by government, partner, the OMA. to reach and impact on a broader who has been missing since 2013.
law enforcement, During that period, the final design
audience, such as those who have
never thought about a missing person,
“We are endeavouring to sell our
was then featured in a national house, however, this is upsetting
not-for-profits, and campaign including television
or who believe the impact of a missing
person will never affect them.
because what if Anthony comes home
and someone else is living here, how
community groups commercials, merchandise, outdoor
advertisement (billboards, bus ‘30 for 30’
will he find us, how will he feel, what
around the country. stops, and train stations), posters
and catalogues. Titled ’30 for 30’ – this year’s social
will he do?”
“I also feel that if we sell I won’t have
media campaign profiles 30 faces of
Themes and messages have mainly the memories of him being in the
long-term missing persons cases for
focused on at-risk groups and issues, house and I’m afraid I’ll forget
the 30 years of NMPW. To view
including Dementia and Alzheimers the image of him sitting at
This is coupled with feature profiles the end of the bench and the ‘Hold onto Hope’
sufferers, at-risk youth, mental
from each State and Territory to create sound of his voice, it’s all tied search Vimeo.
health consumers and culturally and
The Jones family founded National Missing Persons Week in 1988 linguistically diverse communities. eight unique human interest stories up in the house, how can I leave
after the disappearance of 20-year-old Tony Jones it?” she says.
28 AFP PLATYPUS MAGAZINE 2018 Annual AFP PLATYPUS MAGAZINE 2018 Annual 29Community recognition “...Mum and Dad would go without
for a local hero themselves to provide a loving home
where we were encouraged to not
only achieve our potential, but were
As a community police officer you get to experience the best and
worst of people, sometimes within hours or moments on a single day.
provided with a solid understanding
It’s a challenging role, but one ACT Policing Detective Station Sergeant and appreciation of social justice.”
Harry Hains has relished for the past 28 years.
If you ask Detective Station Sergeant feel very grateful to these upstanding the demolition of the old Canberra Steve taught me vital emergency
Hains, being part of the community is members of the community for their Hospital. The explosion did not go as management skills, and his ability
the best part of his job. “I feel a deep time, skill, effort and diligence,” Mr planned, and Katie died when she was to make valid, ethical decisions in
and enduring social contract with the Steel said. hit by a piece of flying debris. time-critical situations was second
people of the ACT and this is what to none.”
The citation on Detective Station These types of investigations take a
drives me to provide the best policing
Sergeant Hains’ award is for his toll on police. But Detective Sergeant Detective Station Sergeant Hains
service,” he said.
sustained, distinguished and Hains says he tries not to dwell on the also acknowledges the role his
This commitment is why he outstanding service to the ACT, difficult aspects of his job. Instead, parents, Margot and Harry Senior
established the ‘Ask a Cop’ initiative, particularly in the fields of front he focuses on working with others played in shaping his view of the
which encourages young people to line community policing, criminal to build a better community. He is a world. “My parents showed me,
ask police about different aspects of investigations and community strong advocate for the rights and and my four siblings, how to be
the job, or any other law enforcement engagement over a significant period. protections of vulnerable members of honourable and just every day,”
issue. It’s the only program of its the community and young people. he said. “We didn’t have a lot of
This kind of recognition is not
kind in the ACT, and has been an money, but Mum and Dad would
something Detective Station Sergeant In this role, he undertook a critical
enormously popular part of the Woden go without themselves to provide
Hains expected when he began his review of how ACT Policing interacts
Youth Centre’s monthly program. a loving home where we were
career as a City Patrol Constable and engages with youth, resulting
encouraged to not only achieve
Each month, Harry and other officers in 1990. After working as a beats in a reinvigorated model of policing
our potential, but were provided
visit the youth centre to play pool and cop, he gained his Detective’s to address issues of recidivism. The
with a solid understanding and
chat with anyone who’s there. They Designation and worked on a range model also helps to better apply
appreciation of social justice.”
also provide information on a range of of criminal investigations, one of crime reduction strategies to address
topics, from what happens at search which inadvertently led him to a systemic problems. Detective Station Sergeant
warrants to how you can join the AFP. kind of fame. Hains’ family were with him at
Detective Station Sergeant Hains also
the Canberra Arboretum when
The success of the program, and Author Helen Garner wrote the book works closely with his colleagues,
he accepted his medal, along
Harry’s role in bringing it to life, was ‘Joe Cinque’s Consolation’ about a mentoring and guiding many
with other policing friends and
recognised by the ACT Government. It murder that took place in Canberra in young detectives through complex
colleagues, to acknowledge
awarded Detective Station Sergeant 1997. The book was later turned into a investigations, as he sees it as an
his decades of service to the
Hains the Community Protection film. As the lead detective on the case, important part of his role. “I was very
community. We also thank him for
Medal in recognition of his exceptional Harry Hains features heavily in the lucky to have some excellent, ethical
his dedication and commitment.
contribution to protecting the book’s depiction of the investigation police mentors over the years,” he
Canberra community. into the victim’s girlfriend, Anu Singh, said. “Working alongside these officers
and her subsequent trial. Anu Singh shaped me. In particular, Detective
At a ceremony at the National
was found guilty of manslaughter and Commander Mark Johnsen, who sadly
Arboretum, Member of the ACT
released from prison in 2001. passed away in 2010, and my first
Legislative Assembly Chris Steel
Sergeant, Stephen Corrigan, had a
presented the award on behalf of the Detective Station Sergeant Hains
huge influence on me.”
Minister for Police and Emergency was also a lead investigator into the
Services. He told the audience the tragic death of Katie Bender. The Detective “I was fortunate to be partnered with
Station Sergeant
recipients of the award embodied the young girl was with thousands of Mark during my first days on the job in
Harry Hains
ideal of commitment and dedication other Canberrans on the shores of after receiving City Crime. He was a skilled Detective
to the ACT community. “We should Lake Burley Griffin in 1997 to watch his award. who taught me the value of tenacity.
30 AFP PLATYPUS MAGAZINE 2018 Annual AFP PLATYPUS MAGAZINE 2018 Annual 31Making sense of AFP Federal Agent Dean Manning and
Srebrenica
the team of the International Criminal
Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia have
ensured justice for the victims of the
1995 Srebrenica massacre.
32 AFP PLATYPUS MAGAZINE 2018 Annual AFP PLATYPUS MAGAZINE 2018 Annual 33On Thursday 2 August 2001 AFP Back in The Hague The ICTY trials were complex. The law “It’s a big issue, a big forum and it’s
AFP Federal Agent Dean Federal Agent Dean Manning stood had not been tested and the judges being broadcast – literally millions
Manning gives evidence Fast forward 16 years and Federal
at the International
at the side of an open mass grave were from a mix of common and civil of people in Bosnia and Serbia and
Agent Manning finds himself back
Criminal Tribunal for the in Srebrenica in eastern Bosnia and law backgrounds. in Croatia are watching you give
in familiar territory – Wednesday
Former Yugoslavia. Herzegovina. evidence. He said to me “well these
22 November 2017 brings the Late in the conflict, too, the Serbian
people committed suicide”… I got
It was a day he and other investigators sentencing of Bosnian military military had moved many Srebrenica
angry and turned that into a focus on
had meticulously worked towards – leader Ratko Mladic, who has been related bodies from primary mass
the evidence I had to give.”
and were continuing to do so – as convicted of Genocide for ordering the graves to secondary ones – making
part of a difficult investigation of the Srebrenica massacre. He receives life the recovery of those bodies and Mladic, too, was a difficult personality
International Criminal Tribunal for imprisonment. the chain of evidence even more throughout his trial.
the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) into the challenging.
This time Federal Agent Manning is “He was an arrogant, oafish man who
July 1995 murder of more than 7500 Verdict at the International Criminal Tribunal:
at ICTY headquarters in The Hague It was also difficult to bring witnesses could do what he wanted – and we Former Bosnian military leader Ratko Mladic
Bosnian-Muslim men and boys in
– and listening to the verdict from to The Hague. made him sit in court and listen to the reacts as he is convicted of genocide and
and around Srebrenica during the
an annexe room within the building. witnesses and the evidence,” Federal sentenced to life imprisonment for ordering
Bosnian War. “One older woman flown in from the July 1995 Srebrenica massacre.
Having flown there especially, he did Agent Manning said.
Sarejvo had never been on a plane
Initially arriving in Bosnia in August not place himself in the main court before, never been out of the woods “Just when I finished giving evidence
1998 on a leave of absence from room – leaving more space for the before. In her case she had a bag of he got really angry – swearing and
the AFP, Federal Agent Manning had relatives still living in the aftermath of potatoes – she didn’t know if she’d carrying on, telling his lawyers that I
already been part of the search for and the massacre. History unfolds
be fed. was an ‘f-ing’ this and f-ing that’. I got
exhumation of a number of large mass
In all, he had worked at the ICTY a great deal of satisfaction out of that. Until 1991, Bosnia and Herzegovina
graves and had provided evidence “When I first got there my ICTY team
during a six year leave of absence was a part of the Republic of
in genocide trials against senior leader was asked in an interview “It was good to go to The Hague for
from the AFP from 1998 to 2004, Yugoslavia. As the break-up of
members of the Bosnian Serb military. for a European paper ‘what would the verdict – I went over by myself
predominantly on the Srebrenica Yugoslavia progressed, the three main
we achieve’? This was very early on, because my family wanted me to go –
Now, he listened to the radio as genocide, as well as crimes committed ethnic groups of Bosnian Serbs, Croats
AFP Federal Agent when Krstic was arrested – and he and insisted I go – because they knew
Presiding ICTY Judge Almiro Rodrigues by Serbian President Slobodan and Muslims began a war which lasted
Dean Manning in said he didn’t know, but in the end how important it was to me.
sentenced former Bosnian Serb Army Milosevic in Croatia. into 1995.
Bosnia. ‘if we just made it difficult for them
Major General Radislav Krstic to 43 “To sit there and listen to the judge say
“Milosevic was the serving head of a to sleep at night, then maybe we’d In April 1993, a UN resolution saw
years in prison in what was the first that this man who committed those
country, and we took him from Serbia achieve something’.” the creation of an enclave called
conviction in Europe for ‘Genocide’ for crimes, who made it happen, who
Below: Muslim men, to The Hague to face justice,” he said. ‘Srebrenica’ to protect the Muslim
women and children the horrific crimes. “Well, I left the court after the Mladic drove it – get life imprisonment and
population, with a Dutch UN battalion
were taken away on “To try someone like that was new stuff verdict and I thought to myself “I’m was shown to be guilty of those things.
buses by Bosnian Serb With less than 10 survivors to give providing security for the area.
– even Nuremberg wasn’t at that sort not sure he’s not sleeping at night, but
forces. witness testimony about the other “You sit there and you say to yourself
of level. But in the end there were too at least I know where he’s sleeping Eventually encompassing several
accused perpetrators of the Srebrenica ‘it doesn’t bring anyone back, it
Bottom: Blindfolds – many charges brought against him. for the rest of his life. And that’s some hundred kilometres – including
such as this one found massacre, it would be up to Federal doesn’t change anything, it doesn’t
comfort for me and hopefully some the village of Potocari – it housed
in the Kozluk mass Agent Manning and the members “Trying to prove a country-wide, stop all that pain. But the person in
grave – were crucial comfort for the victim’s families.” up to 30,000 people, and was
of the ICTY team to continue to organised criminal enterprise to charge of the whole country’s military
evidence for the surrounded by Bosnian Serb Forces
make the evidence count as part of massacre people takes a lot of Giving evidence to the ICTY, while – the leader – we got him and we
International Criminal with entry via armed checkpoints
Tribunal trial. ‘Operation Casper’. witnesses and evidence – and he died confronting, has been satisfying. made him sit in the witness dock and
only. Despite the UN’s mandate to
before the matter was dealt with.” we made him listen to all of it’.”
“When I gave evidence against demilitarise Srebrenica, Bosnian
Milosevic particularly – he was Muslim forces launched armed raids
horrible – and I was of course nervous. from the enclave into the surrounding
Bodies are carried from
Serbian villages.
the Zeleni Jadar mass
grave site in Srebrenica. Bosnian Serb forces eventually
attacked, and on 11 July 1995, General
Ratko Mladic and his troops entered
Srebrenica. The city was largely
abandoned as the women, children
and some elderly men had fled to
Potocari. Meanwhile, up to 15,000
men and boys gathered in the area of
‘Susanjari’ (also within the enclave)
with the intention of fighting through
to Muslim held territory.
The number of shoes found in
mass graves gave an indication
of the number of bodies in the
immediate area.
34 AFP PLATYPUS MAGAZINE 2018 Annual AFP PLATYPUS MAGAZINE 2018 Annual 35You can also read
