Peace rally in Auckland calls for inquiry into 'Hit & Run' revelations

Photo / Vaimoana Tapaleao

About 100 people have turned out to a peace rally calling for an independent inquiry into the deaths of civilians in Afghanistan.

Organised by the Auckland Peace Action group, both young and old have turned out in support following revelations NZ elite soldiers were involved in a raid that led to the deaths.

The information was made public in March when author Nicky Hager released his latest book: Hit & Run.

Co-authored with freelance journalist Jon Stephenson, the book is based on the NZ Special Air Service's response to the first New Zealand death in combat in Afghanistan.

The raid, in 2010, resulted in six people killed and 15 injured.

Among the victims was 3-year-old Fatima Abdul Khaliq, who died in her mother's arms.

At the protest, at the Aotea Square in downtown Auckland, people are being urged to sign a postcard due to be sent to Prime Minister Bill English.

Photo / Vaimoana Tapaleao

The postcard reads: "To Prime Minister Bill English, we call for an independent inquiry into the involvement of the NZDF in civilian deaths, destruction of property and the mistreatment of prisoners in Afghanistan."

A large photo of the toddler sits on a stand next to a banner bearing the words: "No more war."

Placards being held up by supporters read: "Justice for Fatima, inquiry into war crimes."

Others read: "Withdraw NZ troops from Iraq and Afghanistan."

Other boards simply have one word: "Justice."

Young children are writing the word "peace" in chalk on the concrete.