Summary
Ben Roberts-Smith, Australia's most decorated living soldier, has been charged with five counts of war crimes related to the killing of unarmed Afghan detainees between 2009 and 2012. He has been granted bail with strict conditions while awaiting the criminal trial, which follows a 2023 civil case that found substantial truth to some of the allegations.
Key Facts
- Ben Roberts-Smith is a Victoria Cross recipient and former corporal in Australia's Special Air Service Regiment.
- He faces five charges of murder as war crimes connected to deaths in Afghanistan.
- The charges relate to incidents between 2009 and 2012 involving unarmed Afghan detainees.
- Roberts-Smith denies all allegations against him.
- He was granted bail with conditions: reporting to police three times a week, surrendering his passport, and giving police access to his electronic devices.
- The criminal trial will test the evidence beyond a reasonable doubt, a higher standard than the previous civil defamation case.
- The civil case in 2023 found the newspapers’ claims about misconduct had substantial truth.
- Prosecutors argue Roberts-Smith poses a flight risk and could interfere with witnesses or evidence if released without strict bail terms.
