politics
April 19, 2026
'I will never give up': Ben Roberts-Smith denies war crime allegations in first public statement since his arrest
The Victoria Cross recipient faces five charges of war crime murder over allegations he killed unarmed civilians during his service with the Australian SAS in Afghanistan
TL;DR
- Ben Roberts-Smith denies five charges of war crime murder related to killings in Afghanistan.
- He states he has always acted within his values, training, and rules of engagement.
- Roberts-Smith vows to clear his name and will not run from the fight.
- Allegations include victims being unarmed, evidence being planted, and killings occurring without active engagement.
- Three soldiers reportedly admitted involvement in executing detainees under Roberts-Smith's direction.
- Roberts-Smith criticized the public nature of his arrest and requested privacy for his family.
- He thanked supporters and stated he is proud of his service and those who served with him.