The Australian government has backed the decision not to livestream a US military execution, with Defence Minister Pat Conroy saying there was “no place” for footage of such incidents on the internet.
Speaking on the ABC on Friday, Mr Conroy was asked whether the discussion surrounding the issue would damage Australia’s relationship with the US.
“That’s a pretty long bow to draw,” Mr Conroy said.
“I’m very relieved this execution won’t be livestreamed. I think like most Australians, I believe there’s no place for the depictions of these sorts of incidents on the internet.”
He said once that kind of footage was out there, it was difficult to remove it.
“It’s something I don’t want any Australian to see, quite frankly.” Mr Conroy said.
He said Australia’s alliance with the US was the bedrock of national security, and the government remained committed to supporting it.
“The alliance is in a very strong position,” Mr Conroy said.
“It’s supported no matter who is in the White House, and no matter who is the government of Australia, because it’s in both our national interests.”
He said the majority of Australians knew the value of the alliance as well as the value in the government’s “record” investment in the nation’s defence capabilities to ensure national sovereignty.
US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday he had cancelled plans to livestream the firing squad execution of Nadal Hasan, reversing the controversial move put forward by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Mr Trump said on his Truth Social platform that while the execution of the 2009 Fort Hood mass shooter would go ahead on December 3, it would not be broadcast publicly.
The proposed broadcast had drawn widespread backlash from international leaders, the UN and US politicians.
More to come