Summary
Ben Roberts-Smith, a former Australian Special Air Service soldier and the country's most decorated living soldier, has been charged with multiple war crimes, including murder. His charges come after a civil case found he unlawfully killed unarmed Afghan detainees. He denies the charges, and the case highlights issues surrounding Australia's military actions in Afghanistan.
Key Facts
- Ben Roberts-Smith is Australia's most decorated living soldier.
- He was charged with five counts of murder related to actions in Afghanistan.
- A previous civil case found he unlawfully killed Afghan detainees.
- Roberts-Smith denies all charges and claims they are motivated by spite.
- His case is the first of its kind for a decorated soldier in Australia.
- A special investigation team examined the case after the 2020 Brereton Report on Australian war crimes.
