Australia's most decorated soldier denies Afghan war crime charges

Ben Roberts-Smith, Australia's most decorated living soldier, has publicly denied allegations of war crimes related to the deaths of unarmed Afghan detainees.

He was charged with five counts of murder and released on bail, vowing to clear his name.

Roberts-Smith faces one count of murder, one of jointly commissioning a murder, and three counts of aiding, abetting, counselling, or procuring a murder.

The charges relate to incidents between 2009 and 2012 during his service in Afghanistan.

The former Special Air Service (SAS) corporal was arrested at Sydney airport on 7 April and released on bail on 17 April.

The presiding judge described the case as "exceptional" and noted Roberts-Smith could have spent years in custody before trial if bail had not been granted.

This legal case follows a 2023 civil defamation trial in which a court found "substantial truth" to some of the allegations against Roberts-Smith.

That trial was the first time Australian courts examined claims of war crimes by Australian forces.

Roberts-Smith has consistently denied the allegations, emphasizing that he acted within his values, training, and the rules of engagement.

He described his arrest as a "sensational" and "unnecessary spectacle" and refused to take questions from journalists.

In his first public statement since the charges were announced, Roberts-Smith said he was "proud of my service in Afghanistan" and would use the charges as an opportunity to "finally clear my name." He acknowledged the difficulty of the journey ahead but promised he had "never run from a fight in my life." The charges allege Roberts-Smith was involved in the deaths of unarmed Afghan detainees, either by killing them or ordering subordinates to do so.

The allegations have significant implications for accountability regarding Australian military conduct in Afghanistan.

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