Australian SAS Soldier Granted Bail in War Crime Case

0:00A former Australian SAS soldier named Oliver Schultz just got bail after facing charges for a war crime murder from over a decade ago. The 41-year-old is accused of shooting an unarmed Afghan man named Dad Muhammad in a wheat field back in 2012. This marks the first time anyone's been charged under Australian law for such a crime by a defense force member. The incident came from Helmet Camp footage shown on TV in 2020, where troops confronted Muhammad, who was lying down with his arms up holding. Prayer beads. Prosecutors say Schultz fired three shots knowing the man wasn't fighting back. He got suspended and medically discharged later. In court this week, the magistrate called it exceptional circumstances for bail, mainly because Schultz faces real danger in prison from Taliban, sympathizers or other extremists. She noted it could take until 2024 or 2025 for a trial, making jail too risky and hard for his defense prep. The bail came with strict rules. He put up $200,000 security, surrendered his passport, reports the police daily, sticks

1:04to a curfew, can't contact witnesses or old squadmates and hands over devices for checks. The judge blocked hiding his name, but protected his home address for safety. This case highlights the tough balance between justice and security for vets in these probes, with Schultz presumed innocent until proven otherwise. Now out preparing his side, while the legal wheels turn slow. Stay informed with sending news today, AI-powered updates.