Victoria Cross Winner’s Darkest Hour: The Shocking War Crimes Allegations That Could Send Ben Roberts-Smith to Prison for Life
- Two of the five men Ben Roberts-Smith is accused of murdering in Afghanistan remain unidentified, with investigators relying on photos of dead bodies taken by Australian soldiers.
- The Victoria Cross recipient is accused of aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring the murder of three men, including a father and son, in separate incidents in 2009 and 2012.
- Roberts-Smith’s arrest was staged to “inflict maximum distress” on the father-of-two, who was taken into custody in front of his 15-year-old daughters at Sydney Airport.
- The case has sparked concerns about the treatment of Australian soldiers accused of war crimes, with some questioning the tactics used by investigators.
Ben Roberts-Smith, one of Australia’s most decorated soldiers, has been accused of some of the most heinous war crimes imaginable. The Victoria Cross recipient is alleged to have aided, abetted, counselled or procured the murder of five men in Afghanistan, including a father and son.
But what’s even more shocking is that two of the alleged victims remain unidentified, with investigators relying on photos of dead bodies taken by Australian soldiers.
The charges against Roberts-Smith are the result of a five-year joint investigation by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Office of the Special Investigator (OSI).
The investigation has been described as “incredibly complex” by OSI director of investigations Ross Barnett, who noted that prosecuting war crimes alleged to have been committed in Afghanistan is a difficult task due to the lack of access to the crime scene and the deceased.
Roberts-Smith is accused of intentionally causing the death of three men, including a father and son, in separate incidents in 2009 and 2012.
One of the alleged victims, Mohammed Essa, was the father of Ahmadullah, whose prosthetic leg was taken as a trophy by Australian soldiers and later used as a drinking vessel.
Roberts-Smith is also accused of aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring the murder of Ali Jan, a shepherd who was allegedly kicked off a cliff before being executed.
The case has sparked concerns about the treatment of Australian soldiers accused of war crimes.
Roberts-Smith’s arrest was staged to “inflict maximum distress” on the father-of-two, who was taken into custody in front of his 15-year-old daughters at Sydney Airport.
A source close to Roberts-Smith said that his legal team had repeatedly told the AFP and OSI that he would present himself “at a time and place of their choosing should any charges be brought”.
Instead, he was arrested in a dramatic and public fashion.
Analysis: What This Means for Australia
The allegations against Roberts-Smith have significant implications for Australia’s military and the country’s reputation on the world stage. The case has raised questions about the treatment of Australian soldiers accused of war crimes and the tactics used by investigators.
It has also sparked concerns about the lack of accountability and transparency in the military justice system.
Security analysts say that the case highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency in the military justice system. “The allegations against Roberts-Smith are extremely serious and highlight the need for a thorough and independent investigation,” said one analyst.
“The fact that two of the alleged victims remain unidentified is particularly concerning and raises questions about the military’s handling of the incident.”
Law enforcement insiders warn that the case could have significant implications for the military’s reputation and the country’s relationships with its allies.
“The allegations against Roberts-Smith are a serious blow to the military’s reputation and could have significant implications for the country’s relationships with its allies,” said one insider.
“The case highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency in the military justice system and the need for a thorough and independent investigation.”
