Bob Katter has claimed some veterans felt “betrayed” following the arrest of Ben Roberts-Smith over alleged war crimes.
Roberts-Smith, 47, was arrested at Sydney Airport on Tuesday after travelling from Brisbane. He has been charged with five counts of the war crime of murder over the alleged deaths of Afghan nationals between 2009 and 2012.
The charges follow a joint investigation by the Australian Federal Police and the Office of the Special Investigator.
Police allege Roberts-Smith intentionally caused the deaths of two people and aided and abetted others in three additional incidents in Afghanistan.
AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett said the allegations involve civilians.
“It will be alleged the victims were not taking part in hostilities at the time of their alleged murder in Afghanistan,” she said.
“It will be alleged the victims were detained, unarmed, and were under the control of ADF members when they were killed.”
“It will be the alleged the victims were shot by the accused or shot by subordinate members of the ADF in the presence of, and acting on the orders of the accused.”
On Wednesday, Bob Katter shared a letter from a constituent who asked for their military medals to be returned to Canberra on social media.
“Bob, give my medals back to Canberra. I no longer want them after seeing the way they treat veterans,” the letter read.
The medals listed included an Australian Active Service Medal, Defence Force Service Medal, International Force East Timor Medal, National Medal and Australian Defence Medal.
Katter said the letter reflected broader concerns.
“I want acknowledge all our veterans feeling betrayed by the events of recent days – including one of my constituents from the Kennedy electorate who’s asked me to return his medals to Canberra when I’m there next.”
“Pro Patria et Diem (For One’s Country),” he wrote.
In another Facebook post, Katter shared his support for the former SAS soldier.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declined to comment on the case, citing ongoing legal proceedings.
“I have no intention of commenting on a matter that’s clearly before the courts,” he said.
The following day when he was asked about the broader issue, he said it was important to recognise the service of defence personnel.
“We should give thanks every day for the men and women who wear our uniform, who are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our nation, to keep our Australian way of life going forward,” he said.
He described the situation as a “difficult time” for members of the defence community.
“And for people in the Defence Force, they see themselves as part of a broader family. And I certainly understand that is the case, but legal processes, it’s important that this not be politicised. And I have no intention of commenting on what is a legal process,” he said.
Roberts-Smith’s arrest followed a 2023 Federal Court ruling by Justice Anthony Besanko, which found on the balance of probabilities that he was involved in the murder of four unarmed men.
The finding was made in a failed defamation case against several newspapers.
Roberts-Smith has denied the allegations and continues to maintain his innocence.
Image: Facebook
