A former elite soldier from Australia was arrested on Tuesday over allegations of murdering unarmed prisoners during deployment in Afghanistan, following a major war crimes investigation.
The Australian Federal Police confirmed the arrest of a 47-year-old ex-serviceman, widely identified by local media as Ben Roberts-Smith, a recipient of the Victoria Cross.
Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said the suspect had been linked to multiple killings between 2009 and 2012. She stated that the victims were not engaged in combat at the time and were allegedly shot either directly by the accused or by subordinates acting under his orders.
Authorities said the former soldier will face five counts of war crime-related murder. The allegations stem from incidents during his service with the Special Air Service Regiment.
Once celebrated as one of Australia’s most decorated soldiers, Roberts-Smith earned the Victoria Cross for gallantry in Afghanistan and received national recognition, including meeting Queen Elizabeth II. However, his reputation came under scrutiny in 2018 after investigative reports by The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald linked him to alleged unlawful killings.
Roberts-Smith has denied all accusations and pursued legal action against the newspapers.
Meanwhile, a 2020 military inquiry found that Australian special forces personnel unlawfully killed 39 Afghan civilians and detainees, exposing allegations of executions and abuse. Consequently, authorities launched further investigations to determine potential criminal charges against serving and former soldiers.
The case marks a significant development in efforts to address alleged misconduct during Australia’s two-decade military involvement in Afghanistan.
