STORY: :: Australia's most decorated soldier vows to clear his name over five war crimes charges
:: Gold Coast, Australia / April 19, 2026
:: Ben Roberts-Smith, Former Australian soldier
"For the past ten years, my family and I have been subject to a campaign to convince Australians that I've acted improperly in my service in Afghanistan. As I've always maintained, I categorically deny all of these allegations, and while I would have preferred these charges not be brought, I will be taking this opportunity to finally clear my name."
"I understand this is an unprecedented case and the public interest is huge, and the media has a job to do, which they should be allowed to do. But I would ask that the media please allow my family their privacy at this time, particularly my children, who have already, unfortunately, suffered through a deliberate sensational arrest that was made last week - an unnecessary spectacle."
:: Roberts-Smith has consistently denied the accusations of wrongdoing
During his first public statement on Sunday since the arrest earlier in April, Australia's most decorated soldier said he was proud of his service in Afghanistan and acted "within the rules of engagement".
Police arrested and charged 47-year-old Roberts-Smith with five counts of war crimes on April 7 over the murder of five unarmed Afghan civilians between 2009 and 2012. Each charge carries a maximum term of jail for life.
He was granted bail on Friday (April 17).
Roberts-Smith has consistently denied the accusations of wrongdoing, many first reported by Nine Entertainment newspapers in a series of articles starting in 2018.
