Politics
Ben Roberts-Smith, Australia's Most Decorated Soldier, Arrested on Murder Charges
Ben Roberts-Smith, a recipient of the Victoria Cross, has been arrested on serious allegations of murder during his military service in Afghanistan.
Editorial Staff
1 min read
Updated about 3 hours ago
Summary
Ben Roberts-Smith, known as Australia's most decorated soldier, has been arrested on five counts of murder. These charges stem from his military service in Afghanistan.
The allegations involve the murder of unarmed civilians, raising significant concerns regarding conduct during military operations.
As a Victoria Cross recipient, Roberts-Smith's arrest has sparked widespread attention and debate about accountability in the military.
Key Facts
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Charges | Five counts of murder |
| Award | Victoria Cross recipient |
| Deployment | Afghanistan |
Updates
Update at 05:12 UTC on 2026-04-19
BBC World reported Ben Roberts-Smith has given his first statement since he was charged with five counts of the war crime of murder last week.
Sources: BBC World