Media Watch has investigated ABC’s damaging story of unproven war crime allegations against Australian veterans.

The article was based on an account from an unnamed US Marine who alleged November Platoon executed a prisoner in Afghanistan in 2012.

Multiple November Platoon members have told Ben Fordham Live that the claims are not true.

Following strong campaigning from Ben Fordham, ABC’s Media Watch has turned its attention to the story, with the host Paul Barry highly critical of fellow journalist Mark Willacy.

Press PLAY below to watch the Media Watch report

Ben Fordham has been calling on Media Watch to take an interest in the story.

Press PLAY below to hear Ben’s comments in full

During the critique, Media Watch ruled:

• The fact is there remains only one witness to the alleged killing (who didn’t see anything)
• The ABC got its dates wrong while attempting to secure Freedom of Information records from the relevant missions.
• The ABC should have asked more questions and found more support for the allegations.
• The ABC published the story too soon and should have waited- or told viewers the allegations were uncorroborated and may not be true.
• Former November Platoon commander Heston Russell has been seeking a formal apology and retraction from the ABC for 12 months.