Australian soldier denies war crime charges
Ben Roberts-Smith, widely regarded as Australia’s most decorated living soldier, has publicly denied all allegations against him after being charged with multiple war crimes. In his first statement since the charges were filed, the former member of the Special Air Service Regiment said he remains “proud of my service in Afghanistan” and is determined to clear his name. The 47-year-old faces five charges related to alleged murders of unarmed Afghan detainees between 2009 and 2012. Roberts-Smith was arrested at Sydney Airport on 7 April and later released on bail. He described the arrest as a “sensational” and “unnecessary spectacle,” declining to take questions from the media. He added that although he did not want the charges to be brought, he would use the legal process as an opportunity to prove his innocence. Prosecutors allege that he was directly involved in […]