April 7, 2026

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Australia’s most decorated living soldier has been dragged into the storm after being charged with five war crime murders in Afghanistan, in allegations that cut to the darkest corners of the war. Police have not named him, but it is widely reported to be Ben Roberts-Smith, the Victoria Cross and Medal of Gallantry winner, who was arrested on arrival at Sydney airport and denied bail ahead of a court hearing. The charges allege five unarmed Afghans were killed between 2009 and 2012 while detained and under the control of Australian Defence Force members, with police commissioner Krissy Barrett saying exactly that. The former SAS corporal has always denied wrongdoing, but he already lost a major civil case in 2023 over claims he likely unlawfully killed non-combatants, and Australia’s highest court refused to hear his appeal last year. He is now the second veteran to be charged after a damning 2020 report found evidence SAS and commando troops unlawfully killed 39 prisoners, farmers and other non-combatants.

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