Ben Roberts-Smith to attend first Anzac Day service since war crime charges
Summary
Ben Roberts-Smith, a decorated Australian soldier facing war crime murder charges, will attend an Anzac Day service in Queensland. He denies all allegations and said the day is important to him and other veterans. A rally supporting him, organized by nationalist groups not connected to Roberts-Smith or his family, is planned in Melbourne the day after Anzac Day.Key Facts
- Ben Roberts-Smith received the Victoria Cross and served with Australia’s SAS in Afghanistan from 2009 to 2012.
- He faces five criminal charges accused of murdering unarmed civilians in custody during his military service.
- Roberts-Smith denies the charges and intends to clear his name.
- He lives in Queensland on bail and cannot leave except for medical or legal reasons.
- The Returned and Services League (RSL) welcomes him to attend Anzac Day commemorations like any other veteran.
- A rally supporting Roberts-Smith is planned in Melbourne by the National Workers Alliance, a group promoting Australian European culture and identity, which Roberts-Smith’s family does not support or endorse.
- Fight for Australia, another nationalist group, also promotes the rally and opposes Indigenous welcomes during Anzac Day services.
- The rally organizers and some groups involved have controversial links, including white nationalist views and previous disruptions of political events.
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