Australia’s most decorated living soldier, Ben Roberts-Smith, has been charged with five counts of war crime following his arrest at Sydney Airport – prompting a wave of public support from prominent political and business figures who have urged Australians to stand by the veteran as the legal process unfolds.
The former SAS corporal was taken into custody by the Australian Federal Police and the Office of the Special Investigator after arriving on a flight from Brisbane. The charges relate to alleged murders of Afghan nationals between 2009 and 2012. He is expected to remain in custody for at least seven days, with strict bail provisions applying.
In the hours following the arrest, Pauline Hanson and former prime minister Tony Abbott both issued strong statements of support, detailing Roberts-Smith’s service record and the toll the situation may be taking on him and his family.
Hanson described her backing as “steadfast”, highlighting the personal impact of the arrest, particularly as it unfolded in front of his teenage daughters. She called on Australians to support not just Roberts-Smith, but also the broader defence community connected to him.
Abbott echoed that sentiment, offering what he described as “instinctive sympathy” for soldiers who served in Afghanistan. Drawing on his time as prime minister during multiple deployments, he reaffirmed his respect for Australian troops and questioned the length of time it has taken for allegations to reach the courts.
“Justice delayed is justice denied,” Abbott said, suggesting that prolonged investigations risk leaving former soldiers in uncertainty for years. He also argued that the complexities of combat environments should be carefully considered when assessing actions taken in wartime.
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor reinforced the broader support for Australia’s special forces, noting that “the vast majority” serve with integrity under extraordinarily difficult conditions.
Beyond politics, prominent business figures have also voiced concern. Mining magnate Gina Rinehart questioned the scale of resources devoted to the investigation, suggesting that the hundreds of millions spent over more than a decade could have been directed toward strengthening national security and defence capabilities.
International attention has also followed, with Elon Musk briefly weighing in on social media, describing the situation as “insane” in response to commentary supporting Roberts-Smith.
While the charges mark a significant legal moment, supporters argue that Roberts-Smith – who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions in Afghanistan – deserves the presumption of innocence and a fair, timely judicial process.
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