Australian Army's Highest Honor Recipient Arrested for War Crimes After Killing 5 Afghan Civilians During Service

[Global Times Comprehensive Report] On April 7, Australia’s “most distinguished veteran” Ben Roberts-Smith was arrested at Sydney Airport, accused of directly or indirectly killing five Afghan civilians during his service in Afghanistan from 2009 to 2012. He is the second Australian veteran to be prosecuted for war crimes related to the Afghanistan conflict.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the 47-year-old Roberts-Smith was a sergeant in the Australian Special Forces and was awarded Australia’s highest military honor, the Victoria Cross, for his combat performance in Afghanistan, as well as a Medal for Gallantry. Australian police stated that Roberts-Smith was arrested upon arriving at Sydney Airport from Brisbane on the 7th, and he has been charged with five counts of war crimes. Reports indicate that war crimes are classified as federal felonies in Australia, and if convicted, Roberts-Smith could face life imprisonment. He will be detained overnight and is scheduled to appear in court for the first time on the 8th.

In the charges against Roberts-Smith, police stated that the five victims were all unarmed Afghan civilians who were brutally killed after being taken under the control of the Australian Defence Force. Australian Federal Police Commissioner Barrett stated that the victims “were either shot directly by Roberts-Smith or were shot by his subordinate recruits after he gave the order on the spot.”

In 2018, several Australian media outlets published articles accusing Roberts-Smith of committing war crimes in Afghanistan, leading him to file a defamation lawsuit. In 2023, the Australian Federal Court dismissed his lawsuit, ruling that he “most likely unlawfully killed four non-combatants between 2009 and 2012.” Subsequently, Roberts-Smith’s two appeals were rejected, and the High Court declined to hear his appeal last September.

In addition to a series of exposés by Australian media, this case is also related to a military report released in 2020. The report stated that there is evidence that Australian special forces had unlawfully killed 39 Afghan prisoners, farmers, and other non-combatants. Following this, Australian police launched a related investigation with the Office of the Special Investigator (OSI). OSI officials stated that as of now, out of 53 war crime allegations, 39 have been resolved without prosecution, and 10 are still under investigation, with the possibility of more arrests in the future.

Barrett claimed that “the individuals involved are only a ‘small number’ within the Australian Defence Force and do not represent the majority of soldiers.” Australian Prime Minister Albanese declined to comment on the case and emphasized that “there should be no political interference.” (Li Guozheng)