Ben Roberts-Smith reports to police in first public appearance since war crimes charges
Ben Roberts-Smith made his first public appearance since being charged with war crimes on Monday morning, arriving at a police station under bail reporting conditions. Dressed in sneakers, shorts and a singlet, the former Australian Special Air Services corporal appeared relaxed and smiled as he checked in, a requirement he must meet three times a week while the case proceeds.
Roberts-Smith is accused of war crimes linked to his service in Afghanistan, including the alleged unlawful killing of unarmed Afghan civilians during SAS operations. He has not entered pleas to the charges and has consistently maintained his innocence. He was released from Sydney’s Silverwater Correctional Centre on Friday after spending nine nights on remand.
Judge Greg Grogin granted him bail, which includes regular police reporting and restricted movements. Under those conditions, Roberts-Smith must report to his local police station three times a week, beginning Monday. Speaking on the Gold Coast on Sunday, the Victoria Cross recipient said his family had endured a decade-long campaign to convince Australians he had acted improperly in Afghanistan.
“As I’ve always maintained, I categorically deny all these allegations,” he said, adding that while he would have preferred the charges not be brought, he would use the process to “finally clear my name.” He said he was proud of his service and that he acted within his values, training and the rules of engagement.
Roberts-Smith praised those who served alongside him, particularly those he said paid the “ultimate sacrifice,” and thanked his family and supporters for their well-wishes. He said his children and family had “already unfortunately suffered” following what he described as a “deliberate, sensational arrest” on April 7, calling it “an unnecessary spectacle,” and asked the media to respect their privacy.
He acknowledged the legal process would be long and difficult, adding: “I have never run from a fight in my life. I will never give up, and I will always be in the fight.” For now, Roberts-Smith remains on bail with regular police reporting as the proceedings continue.