Summary
Australia's most-decorated living soldier, Ben Roberts-Smith, has been arrested at Sydney airport. He will face charges related to alleged war crimes in Afghanistan, including the murder of unarmed detainees. Roberts-Smith denies the allegations, which were highlighted in a 2020 investigation into unlawful killings by Australian soldiers.
Key Facts
- Ben Roberts-Smith is a highly decorated former soldier from Australia.
- He was arrested at Sydney airport and is facing five charges of war crimes murder.
- Roberts-Smith served in the Australian Defence Force and left in 2013.
- He is accused of killing unarmed Afghans during his service in Afghanistan.
- In a 2023 defamation case, a court found he had killed several unarmed people.
- The 2020 Brereton Report found evidence of unlawful killings by Australian soldiers.
- The Australian Federal Police confirmed his arrest and upcoming charges.
- Roberts-Smith argues the actions were legal combat actions or did not happen.
