War Crime Charges Against Australia's Hero Soldier

0:00It's April 8th. You're listening to Sydney News today, AI-powered local news. Ben Robert Smith, Australia's most decorated living soldier and Victoria Crosswinner, faces five war crime charges from his time in Afghanistan. Prosecutors alleged he ordered the unlawful killings of unarmed civilians and prisoners during SAS operations between 2009 and 2013. This arrest follows the high court's rare full-bench decision, rejecting his final appeal and a civil defamation case where he lost against reporters. Exposing the claims. Now, in criminal court, he'll need massive funds for defense, with trial rules stricter on evidence. Public reactions split hard along lines. Many letterwriters cheer the move as long overdue justice, stressing no one hides behind metals. Veterans argue it upholds military standards, while some defend troops in brutal war zones, questioning bledding rookies under pressure. Public slam supporters like Pauline Hansen and Gina Reinhardt for attacking the process

1:01despite witness accounts from fellow SAS members. Others invoke Nuremberg, saying obedience to orders doesn't excuse murder, and push for charging those who followed them too. With a jury trial ahead and life sentence is possible if convicted, this saga spotlights Australia's commitment to the rules of war, proving heroism, doesn't grant impunity. The courts will have the final word.