Arabic version: بن روبرتس-سميث يبقى قيد الاحتجاز بسبب اتهامات بجرائم حرب

Ben Roberts-Smith, Australia’s most-decorated living soldier, will remain in jail following his arrest at Sydney Airport on Tuesday. He faces five counts of the war crime of murder related to alleged actions during his service in Afghanistan. His legal team did not apply for bail during a court appearance on Wednesday.

According to BBC News, Roberts-Smith, 47, has denied all allegations, labeling them as “egregious” and “spiteful.” The charges come after a 2023 defamation ruling found substantial truth in claims that he killed unarmed Afghans between 2009 and 2012.

The defamation case, initiated by Roberts-Smith, was notable as it marked the first occasion a court examined claims of war crimes by Australian forces. His lawyers have argued that the alleged killings were either legal, as they took place during combat, or did not happen at all.

In the current criminal proceedings, Roberts-Smith faces one charge of the war crime of murder, one of jointly commissioning a murder, and three of aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring a murder. If convicted, he could face life in prison. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) confirmed that the investigation into the allegations was complex and thorough, with claims that victims were shot by Roberts-Smith or under his orders.

A local court judge in Sydney has set the next hearing for June 4, with Roberts-Smith required to attend via video link. His lawyers indicated they plan to request an earlier court date.