Australia's most-decorated living soldier charged over alleged war crimes

BBC News
April 7, 2026
2 min read

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Australia's most-decorated soldier was arrested over alleged war crimes, which he denies.

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Australia's most-decorated soldier, Ben Roberts-Smith, has been arrested over alleged war crimes, according to local media reports. This arrest follows a landmark defamation case that Roberts-Smith lost, which centered on these same allegations of murder. The development marks a significant legal escalation for the prominent military figure, who continues to deny all wrongdoing. This ongoing legal process highlights the serious scrutiny faced by Australian military personnel regarding conduct during wartime.

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Ben Roberts-Smith previously lost a defamation case regarding alleged murders.

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