War crime whistleblower's jail sentence appeal rejected
Share this @internewscast.com

David McBride, who was jailed for leaking classified information about possible war crimes, will remain behind bars after losing an appeal against his sentence.

He was jailed for five years and eight months after pleading guilty to obtaining and disseminating classified defence information.

His sentence included a non-parole period of two years and three months, meaning the 61-year-old will remain imprisoned until at least August 2026.

David McBride says he felt he had a public duty to disclose the documents.
David McBride will remain behind bars after losing a defence appeal. (Nine)

Justice Belinda Baker rejected the appeal, handing down her judgment in under a minute in the ACT Court of Appeal, which operates as part of the Supreme Court, today in front of McBride.

The reasons for her judgment will be published later.

His legal team had already flagged an appeal to the High Court if the decision didn’t go their way.

Supporters say his treatment could deter further whistleblowing. (Alex Ellinghausen)

McBride took 235 documents, 207 of which were classified as secret, and shared them with journalists.

The documents led to a series of reports that uncovered allegations Australian special forces soldiers committed war crimes in Afghanistan.

A subsequent inquiry found credible information about 23 incidents of potential war crimes, which involved the killing of 39 Afghans between 2005 and 2016.

At the time of his sentencing, ACT Justice David Mossop said the punishment reflected some concessions, such as McBride’s early plea and mental health, as well as the need to deter people from leaking classified information.

McBride’s lawyer, Eddie Lloyd, argued his sentence was too severe and that not enough weight was given to his guilty plea.

Human rights advocates have called for the Commonwealth to drop the prosecution and for McBride to be freed, saying his imprisonment will deter whistleblowing from coming forward.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Police Found Guilty of Pepper-Spraying Nude Woman with Mental Illness

Warning: This story contains details and content that some readers may find…

Teen Made TikTok Videos About Mom and Stepfather After Their Murder: Police

Left: Sarah Patrick featured in a TikTok video, reportedly posted on June…

Kagan Rejects Effort to Keep ‘Stop the Steal’ Officers’ Identities Hidden

Context: President Donald Trump addresses a crowd at a rally held on…

Woman Receives Verdict for Poisoning In-Laws and Sister with Tainted Mushroom Beef Wellington

An Australian woman has been found guilty of the 2023 murders of…

Mother of Seven Allegedly Attempts to Sell Sexual Access to Her Infant Daughter for $400

An Indiana mother, aged 32 and mother of seven, was taken into…

Suspect Arrested in Rhode Island for Allegedly Threatening to Assassinate Trump

Attorney General Pam Bondi talks to the press as President Donald Trump…

Man Accused of Killing Longtime Friend at Lake House

Anthony Emerson (Pulaski County Detention Center). An Ohio man is behind bars…

Man Commits Double Homicide Before Reporting Sister and Mother’s Death: DA

Inset: Kevin Ahn (Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office). Background: Kevin Ahn in…

Son Fatally Attacks 85-Year-Old Father With Sword at Family Residence

A Nebraska man was denied bond on Monday, days after he allegedly…

Stepfather Sentenced to Prison for Assaulting 12-Year-Old Boy with Autism

Casey Mobley (Smyth County Commonwealth’s Attorney via WCYB). Background: Southwest Virginia Regional…

Police Report Roommate Stabbing After Fight Over $15

Background: The Minneapolis, Minnesota residence where Sincir Porter is accused of fatally…

“No One Steps Forward as Town Bully’s Killer Remains Unknown”

McElroy was a persistent criminal and bully in the town of only…