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2 British soldiers convicted of abusing Afghans

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AP London
A British soldier has been fined and an officer demoted after admitting abusing civilians in Afghanistan.

A 22-year-old serviceman who has since left the army admitted two charges of breaching service discipline during a 2011-12 tour.

In one incident he pulled the hand of an Afghan child toward his crotch while saying "touch my special place." In another he verbally abused an Afghan boy.

A judge accepted there was no sexual motive, and the soldier was cleared of more serious charges.

A 23-year-old officer, photographed next to an Afghan man carrying a racist sign, admitted a racially aggravated offence and had his rank reduced.
 

Neither soldier was identified for security reasons.

Britain's Press Association news agency reported that the pair pleaded guilty today at a court- martial in Sennelager, Germany.

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First Published: Jun 04 2013 | 10:55 PM IST

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