Ben Roberts-Smith War Crimes Case: Comrades Allege Executions of Unarmed Civilians
Australian soldiers told prosecutors that former SAS soldier and Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith ordered them to execute unarmed civilians, according to court documents. One statement alleges Roberts-Smith placed a man on his knees and ordered a fellow soldier to shoot him. Roberts-Smith was granted bail, with the case expected to return to court in early June.
Key Facts
- 1Court documents reveal Australian soldiers told prosecutors Roberts-Smith ordered the execution of unarmed civilians
- 2One statement alleges Roberts-Smith placed a man on his knees and ordered a fellow soldier to shoot him
- 3Five murder charges have been brought against Roberts-Smith, the country's most-decorated soldier
- 4Roberts-Smith was granted bail on Friday, with the case expected to return to court in early June
- 5Indemnified soldiers gave evidence in the case, according to court documents
Coverage
Covered by Australian outlets The Guardian, ABC News AU, and BBC News, with high national significance for Australian military accountability.
Sources (4)
Indemnified soldiers give evidence in war veteran's case, documents show
ABC News AU · 38d ago
The Ben Roberts-Smith photograph Corrective Services tried to stop
The Age · 38d ago
Prisoners handcuffed and executed: The war crime charges against Australia's most-decorated soldier
BBC News · 38d ago
Ben Roberts-Smith’s comrades say he ordered them to execute unarmed civilians, court documents show
The Guardian · 38d ago