Australia's most-decorated soldier vows to 'fight' war crime charges
Summary
Ben Roberts-Smith, Australia's most-decorated living soldier, denies all charges of war crimes related to murders in Afghanistan. He was arrested on April 7 and released on bail, saying he will fight the charges to clear his name.Key Facts
- Ben Roberts-Smith received the Victoria Cross, Australia's highest military honor.
- He faces five charges, including murder and ordering or helping others to kill unarmed Afghan detainees between 2009 and 2012.
- Roberts-Smith served as a corporal in the Australian Special Air Service (SAS) Regiment.
- He says he acted within military rules and values during his time in Afghanistan.
- He was arrested at Sydney airport and released on bail after a judge noted his case might take years before trial.
- A previous 2023 civil case found some truth to the murder allegations on the balance of probabilities.
- Roberts-Smith lost an appeal against that civil court decision.
- The case is historic because it is the first time Australian courts have examined alleged war crimes by Australian forces.
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