SYDNEY, April 19 – A highly decorated Australian military veteran has publicly rejected war crime accusations stemming from his service in Afghanistan over ten years ago, stating Sunday that he remains proud of his military record.
Ben Roberts-Smith, age 47, who was released on bail this week, faces five war crime charges connected to the alleged killings of five unarmed Afghan civilians during the period from 2009 to 2012. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment on each count.
The ex-Special Air Service (SAS) corporal has maintained his innocence regarding the accusations, which were initially brought to light through a series of reports published by Nine Entertainment newspapers beginning in 2018.
During a media appearance on Queensland’s Gold Coast, Roberts-Smith emphasized that his actions in Afghanistan always followed proper military protocols.
“I categorically deny all of these allegations, and while I would have preferred these charges not be brought, I will be taking this opportunity to finally clear my name,” he stated. “I’m proud of my service in Afghanistan.”
Roberts-Smith received bail approval following more than a week in detention, with a judge noting that his case would likely require years before reaching trial. Prosecution attorneys had argued against bail, expressing concerns that Roberts-Smith might attempt to influence potential witnesses.
Law enforcement officials have indicated they plan to argue that Roberts-Smith’s alleged victims were not engaged in combat activities when they died and were being held as unarmed detainees under Australian military supervision at the time of their deaths.
Previously, in 2023, Roberts-Smith was unsuccessful in a defamation lawsuit regarding the media reports and was determined by the court to have likely participated in the deaths of four Afghan civilians.
