• Home /
• Statewatch Database /
• Paras escape war crimes charges

Paras escape war crimes charges

01 September 1994

In July the Director of Public Prosecutions, Barbara Mills, decided not to prosecute members of the Parachute Regiment over alleged war crimes during the 1982 Malvinas/Falklands war.

An inquiry was initiated following allegations of the summary execution and mutilation of Argentinean prisoners of war in a book Excursion to Hell - the battle for Mount Longdon by Vincent Bramley, who had fought with the Third Battalion of the Parachute regiment during the conflict. His account of the twelve hour battle - in which nearly fifty soldiers died - claimed that prisoners were beaten and than shot and dumped in mass graves. Some were mutilated and their ears taken as souvenirs (several ears were later found in the kit bag of a dead British soldier).

A police enquiry, headed by Metropolitan Police Superintendent Alec Edwards, recommended prosecution after an investigation that involved interviewing Argentinean veterans of the war and excavation at Mount Longdon. Bramley's claims were also supported by other British soldiers who participated in the Mount Longdon battle.

The DPP concluded that there was not enough evidence to warrant a prosecution and that no proceedings should be initiated. The decision, which was condemned as a cover-up by the Argentinean War Veterans Association, was welcomed by Conservative MPs. Major Jeremy Hickman of the Parachute Regimental association said that his members were "delighted with the decision."

This is not the first occasion that the Parachute Regiment have been accused of atrocities. In 1972 fourteen civilians taking part in a civil-rights rally were shot dead by the "Paras" in Derry, Northern Ireland. No one was prosecuted.

Guardian 15.7.94; Times 15.7.94.