Australia Arrests Decorated War Hero on Murder Charges

CANBERRA — Australian authorities have arrested Ben Roberts-Smith, the country’s most decorated living soldier and a Victoria Cross recipient, on war crimes charges linked to the alleged killing of unarmed Afghan civilians during military operations in Afghanistan.
Roberts-Smith, who served with the Special Air Service Regiment (SAS), faces allegations of murdering unarmed prisoners and civilians during Australia’s military deployment in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012. The charges follow a years-long investigation by the Australian Federal Police, triggered in part by a landmark 2023 Federal Court ruling that found he had unlawfully killed Afghan civilians.
The arrest marks a historic moment — the first time a Victoria Cross holder in Australian history has faced criminal prosecution for war crimes. The Victoria Cross is the highest military honour in the Commonwealth.
Human rights groups have welcomed the arrest, calling it a step toward accountability for abuses committed during the war in Afghanistan.