Australia arrests decorated veteran on war crimes charges

Australian authorities have taken Ben Roberts-Smith into custody on accusations of war crimes, marking the first step in a legal process against the nation’s most decorated living soldier. The 47-year-old, who had previously received the Victoria Cross for acts of bravery in Afghanistan, is now facing five counts related to the killing of unarmed civilians during his deployment between 2009 and 2012.

Roberts-Smith was initially tied to the deaths of Afghan prisoners in 2018, as reported by local news outlets. These claims led to a defamation lawsuit, which he lost after a Federal Court judge in 2023 confirmed some of the alleged murders. The High Court later dismissed his final appeal in September 2025, paving the way for criminal proceedings.

Allegations and Context

The charges include accusations that Roberts-Smith shot an unarmed Afghan teenager and pushed a handcuffed detainee off a cliff before executing him. He is also said to have directed others to carry out targeted killings on three separate occasions. Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett outlined the claims at a press conference, stating,

“It will be alleged the victims were not engaged in hostilities at the time of their deaths in Afghanistan. They were detained, unarmed, and under the control of Australian Defense Force members.”

Australia deployed 39,000 troops over two decades to Afghanistan as part of US- and NATO-led efforts against the Taliban. A joint investigation by the Australian Federal Police and the Office of the Special Investigator was launched in 2021, focusing on alleged war crimes committed by soldiers during their time in the country. Roberts-Smith’s case is among 53 such inquiries, with 10 still active.

Ross Barnett, head of the Office of the Special Investigator, emphasized the commitment to pursuing justice, noting,

“If the evidence supports it, other individuals will be held accountable.”