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Two Czech soldiers sacked over wearing Nazi symbols in Afghanistan
Nov 10, 2009, 12:44 GMT
Prague - Czech Defence Minister Martin Bartak said Tuesday he has sacked two soldiers from the Czech army for wearing Nazi symbols during NATO's mission in Afghanistan.
Bartak also said he has suspended the commander who is responsible for all Czech military missions abroad.
The move came a day after the minister suspended the two soldiers and their contingent's commander following a Czech newspaper report on their misconduct.
The Czech daily, Mlada Fronta Dnes, reported Monday that the two officers wore symbols of SS divisions on their helmets while serving earlier this year with the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in south-eastern Afghanistan.
The newspaper published photographs incriminating one of the two soldiers. Both of them were recently decorated for their service in the Afghan province of Logar.
On Monday, the minister has also suspended their contingent's commander, whom the report has accused of covering up their behaviour.
Bartak has ordered an investigation into the case and vowed to clear the army by the end of the year.
The Czech Republic currently has around 330 troops serving under the NATO's ISAF mission in Afghanistan, according to the Defence Ministry website.
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