Sydney (HRNW)- Australia’s most decorated former special forces officer, Ben Roberts-Smith, has been released on bail after being found guilty of killing five innocent Afghan civilians and committing other war crimes during the Afghanistan conflict.
According to media reports, Roberts-Smith was granted bail just 10 days after the verdict was announced. Judge Greg Grogan ruled in a Sydney court that the former SAS corporal had demonstrated reasonable grounds for release from custody.
The prosecution had opposed the bail application, arguing that there was a risk Roberts-Smith could flee Australia or interfere with witnesses and evidence in the case.
Roberts-Smith, 47, was arrested on April 7 and charged with war crimes related to the killing of five Afghan civilians in Uruzgan province during incidents in 2009 and 2012.
He had previously been awarded Australia’s highest military honors, including the Victoria Cross and the Medal of Gallantry. He is the second Australian veteran of the Afghanistan war to face war crime charges.
Support independent journalism and global justice reporting by contributing to HRNW. Your support helps us continue delivering credible and timely news coverage.
Donate here: www.hrnww.com/?page_id=1083
