Decorated Australian Soldier Ben Roberts-Smith Granted Bail Over Afghanistan War Crimes Charges

A court in Sydney has granted bail to Australia’s most decorated living soldier, Ben Roberts-Smith, who is facing multiple war crimes charges linked to his service in Afghanistan.

The 47-year-old was arrested on April 7 at Sydney Airport and charged with five counts of murder allegedly committed in Uruzgan province between 2009 and 2012.

During proceedings, defence lawyers described the case as unprecedented, arguing it would involve complex legal questions and could take years to resolve. They said the case was likely to face numerous developments over time.

Judge Greg Grogin approved bail, stating that concerns raised by prosecutors could be addressed through strict conditions proposed by the defence.

Roberts-Smith’s arrest follows his high-profile loss in a defamation case against Nine Entertainment newspapers, which had published allegations of war crimes during his military service.

If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment for the alleged offences.

Australian authorities say investigations into alleged misconduct by members of the Australian Defence Force in Afghanistan are ongoing. Of 53 cases examined, 14 remain active, with 10 still under investigation and four currently on hold.

At least one other case has resulted in charges against a former Special Forces soldier, with a trial scheduled for February 2027.

The case against Roberts-Smith is expected to be closely watched as one of the most significant war crimes proceedings involving Australian forces.