Australia’s most-decorated soldier arrested over alleged war crimes
Australia’s Most Decorated Soldier Arrested Over War Crime Allegations
Ben Roberts-Smith, a retired Australian Defence Force member and Victoria Cross recipient, has been apprehended and is expected to appear in court on Tuesday. The 47-year-old faces five charges of murder, allegedly committed during his service in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012. His arrest occurred at Sydney airport, marking a pivotal moment in the legal scrutiny of Australian military actions abroad.
Defamation Case Unveils War Crime Claims
In 2023, a defamation ruling concluded that Roberts-Smith, a former Special Air Service corporal, had slain several unarmed Afghan civilians. Despite this finding, the soldier maintains his innocence, describing the accusations as “egregious” and “spiteful.” He contends that the incidents either occurred within the rules of combat or did not happen at all, a stance that was upheld in a recent court appeal.
“It will be alleged the victims were shot by the accused or by subordinates of the Australian Defence Force while under his command,” said Commissioner Krissy Barrett of the Australian Federal Police.
Earlier in 2020, the Brereton Report identified credible evidence of 39 unlawful killings by elite Australian soldiers in Afghanistan, prompting an investigation into 19 individuals. A dedicated team, the Office of the Special Investigator, was established to examine these cases. To date, only one other person has been charged under this inquiry.
“This arrest represents a major milestone in a difficult process,” remarked Ross Barnett, head of investigations at the OSI. “Our team has had to investigate numerous murders alleged in a war zone nearly 9,000 kilometers from home, without direct access to the crime scenes or physical evidence like photographs or site plans.”
Barrett emphasized that the allegations of misconduct target a “small segment” of the Australian Defence Force, which she described as “trusted and respected.” She praised the majority of the force for their dedication and honor, highlighting their continued contributions to national service.
