Former Australian soldier speaks out against allegations of Afghan war crimes

Australia's most decorated soldier, charged with war crimes related to Afghanistan deployments more than a decade ago, on Sunday publicly denied the allegations against him and said he was proud of his service.



Ben Roberts-Smith, 47, freed this week on bail, is charged with five counts of war crimes over the alleged murder of five unarmed Afghan civilians between 2009 and 2012. Each charge carries a maximum jail term of life.



The former Special Air Service (SAS) corporal has consistently denied the accusations of wrongdoing, many first reported by Nine Entertainment newspapers in a series of articles starting in 2018.



Speaking to the media on Queensland's Gold Coast, Roberts-Smith said he always acted within the rules of engagement in Afghanistan.



"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," he said. "I'm proud of my service in Afghanistan."



After more than a week in custody, Roberts-Smith was granted bail after a judge said his matter would likely take years to get to court. Prosecutors had opposed bail on fears Roberts-Smith might try to contact witnesses.