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Australia's most-decorated living soldier charged over alleged war crimes

Australia's most-decorated living soldier charged over alleged war crimes

Ben Roberts-Smith, who denies all wrongdoing, previously lost a landmark defamation case over the alleged murders.

April 7, 2026 at 07:19 AM Original source
6 agencies covered this story

Coverage by Political Leaning

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Left
2 articles
Lean Left
1 articles
Center
3 articles
Lean Right
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Notable Quotes

"It will be alleged the victims were shot by the accused or shot by subordinate members of the ADF in the presence of, and acting on the orders of, the accused."

— Krissy Barrett , Other

"[It] is very important that there not be political engagement."

— Anthony Albanese , Politician

"The OSI has been tasked with investigating literally dozens of murders alleged to have been committed in the middle of a war zone in a country 9,000km from Australia."

— Ross Barnett , Other

"It will be alleged that the victims were not taking part in hostilities at the time of their alleged murder in Afghanistan."

— Krissy Barrett , Other

"It will be alleged the victims were not taking part in hostilities at the time of their alleged murder in Afghanistan."

— Krissy Barrett , Other

"It was a careful and professional investigation under challenging circumstances."

— Ross Barnett , Other

"The arrest is a necessary and pivotal step forward that symbolises Australia’s respect for global justice and accountability efforts."

— Zaki Haidari , Activist

"It will be alleged the victims were not taking part in hostilities at the time of their alleged murder in Afghanistan."

— Krissy Barrett , Other

"It will be alleged the victims were detained, unarmed and under the control of Australian Defence Force members when they were killed."

— Krissy Barrett , Other

All Coverage

Australia's most-decorated living soldier charged over alleged war crimes
BBC Newsvia rss 3 quotes 3 persons

Ben Roberts-Smith, who denies all wrongdoing, previously lost a landmark defamation case over the alleged murders.

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Former Australian soldier charged with committing 5 war crime murders in Afghanistan
Associated Pressvia ai 1 quote 1 person

Ben Roberts-Smith, Australia's most decorated living veteran, has been charged with five counts of war crime murder related to the deaths of unarmed Afghan civilians during his military service between 2009 and 2012.

80%
Former Australian soldier Ben Roberts-Smith arrested over alleged war crimes in Afghanistan
The Guardianvia ai 2 quotes 2 persons

Ben Roberts-Smith, Australia's most decorated living soldier, has been arrested at Sydney airport in relation to alleged war crimes, following a previous defamation case where he denied all wrongdoing.

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Reutersvia ai

Australia’s most decorated living soldier, Ben Roberts-Smith, was arrested and will be charged with five counts of war crime murders relating to the killing of unarmed civilians while on deployment in Afghanistan.

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Australian soldier Roberts-Smith arrested in Sydney over Afghan war crimes
Pajhwok Afghan Newsvia ai 2 quotes 1 person

Australian soldier Ben Roberts-Smith has been arrested at Sydney airport in connection with alleged war crimes in Afghanistan, with charges expected to be laid over five counts of war crimes, including murder.

80%
Arrest of former Australian SAS soldier over alleged war crimes is a critical step toward global justice and accountability efforts
Amnesty International Australiavia ai 1 quote 1 person

Amnesty International Australia has welcomed the arrest of former Australian special forces soldier Ben Roberts-Smith, expected to be charged with five counts of the war crime of murder during deployment in Afghanistan.

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