Johnny Mercer, the Veterans' Minister, has days to name sources and has repeatedly refused to hand over the names of officers who informed him of alleged murders and a cover-up in Afghanistan, as part of an ongoing inquiry. Prosecutors are considering Australia's first case under government secrecy laws, which could potentially result in a jail term for Mercer if he fails to comply. Mercer made a determined effort to investigate war crimes, sparking a debate on the protection of confidential sources. Many journalists and public figures are supporting Mercer's refusal to reveal his sources, emphasizing the importance of maintaining confidentiality for whistleblowers.
Important point of principle here that Mercer should not be forced to identify a confidential source who revealed information on the public interest. “Veterans' minister told to name sources in Afghan inquiry or he could face jail.” https://t.co/042C1k4rBv
Minister faces prison if he does not reveal to Afghan inquiry names of officers who told him of murder allegations Read more https://t.co/1JU2ieOXiY
Johnny Mercer has repeatedly refused to hand over names of officers who told him about allegations of murder and a cover-up in Afghanistan https://t.co/MxF2MKOLr7
Minister told to name sources in Afghan inquiry or face potential jail term https://t.co/7zNHM84eki
Every journalist should be supporting @JohnnyMercerUK in refusing to name his confidential sources. Exactly same position we find ourselves in when a court orders us to reveal who the whistleblower is. Mercer made a determined effort to investigate war crimes perpetrated by UK… https://t.co/weWvBeLe1C
Afghanistan: Veterans' minister told to hand over names to inquiry https://t.co/NlMer1nTHj
🔴 Johnny Mercer has days to name sources in Afghan Inquiry https://t.co/Fs49G3z5uY
Prosecutors weigh up Australia’s first case under government secrecy laws https://t.co/E0RPzY9WBS