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Decorated soldier breaks silence after murder charges
Australia's most decorated living veteran, Ben Roberts-Smith, has publicly rejected all allegations of war crimes, calling his recent arrest a "sensational spectacle" in his first statement since being charged last week.
Charges and bail conditions
The 47-year-old Victoria Cross recipient was arrested at Sydney Airport on 7 April and released on bail two days later. A judge described the case as "exceptional" and warned Roberts-Smith could face years in custody before trial if bail were denied.
He now faces five counts related to the deaths of unarmed Afghan detainees between 2009 and 2012, including one charge of murder, one of jointly commissioning a murder, and three of aiding or procuring murder.
Roberts-Smith's statement
In a brief media address, Roberts-Smith declared he would use the legal process to "finally clear my name." He stated: "I'm proud of my service in Afghanistan. While I was there, I always acted within my values, within my training and within the rules of engagement."
"I understand this journey will be difficult. But I can promise everybody that I have never run from a fight in my life."
Ben Roberts-Smith
He dismissed his arrest as an "unnecessary spectacle" and declined to answer questions from reporters.
Legal background
The charges follow a 2023 civil defamation case in which a Federal Court judge ruled-on the balance of probabilities-that there was "substantial truth" to some murder allegations against Roberts-Smith. The case, brought by Roberts-Smith against Nine newspapers, marked the first judicial examination of war crimes claims involving Australian forces.
Roberts-Smith, a former SAS corporal, had argued the alleged killings either occurred lawfully in combat or never happened. He lost an appeal against the court's findings last year.
Next steps
No trial date has been set, but the case is expected to extend over several years given its complexity and the volume of evidence. Roberts-Smith remains on bail pending further court proceedings.
