Australian Soldier Faces War Crimes Charges While Attending Afghanistan Anniversary Service

Ben Roberts-Smith, Australia's most decorated living soldier, attended a ceremony at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra on Sunday to mark 25 years since the nation's deployment to Afghanistan. Roberts-Smith, who is facing five charges of murder related to alleged unlawful killings in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012, received court permission to attend the event under his bail conditions. He wore his medals at the service, which drew approximately 600 veterans.

Roberts-Smith has denied any wrongdoing and has not yet entered pleas to the charges, which were brought by the Australian Federal Police in April. His appearance comes more than three years after he lost a defamation case against Nine newspapers. In that civil case, a judge found on the balance of probabilities that several allegations of Roberts-Smith's involvement in unlawful killings were substantially true. These civil findings were made under a lower standard of proof than that required in criminal proceedings.

Roberts-Smith attended the commemoration with his partner, Sarah Matulin. Also present was Shadow Defence Minister Andrew Hastie, whose involvement in the Roberts-Smith saga previously led to a public dispute with One Nation leader Pauline Hanson. Hastie was required to give evidence during Roberts-Smith's 2022 defamation trial after raising concerns about conduct within the Special Air Service Regiment during Australia's Afghanistan campaign. Hanson later criticized Hastie, labeling him a 'traitor' in a political cartoon, which Hastie refuted. Matulin also became involved when she commented 'traitor' on an Instagram post by Hastie, a remark she later apologized for, stating it was a mistake made without Roberts-Smith's knowledge.

Roberts-Smith was also seen speaking with Liberal shadow minister for defence industry and defence personnel Phil Thompson during the ceremony.

The Sunday service marked a quarter-century since Australia joined the U.S. and coalition partners in Afghanistan following the September 11 terrorist attacks. Over two decades, more than 35,000 Australians served in Afghanistan and the broader Middle East Area of Operations before the country's withdrawal in 2021. The campaign resulted in the deaths of 47 Australian Defence Force personnel and wounded 263.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the attendees, reflecting on Australia's decision to join the conflict. "Australia did what is so resolutely in our nature. We went to support our friend and ally. We went because we saw what was at stake," Albanese stated. He paid tribute to those who served, emphasizing their "invaluable contribution" and the "finest of Australian military traditions."

The service also recognized the sacrifices of Afghan allies and highlighted the Australian War Memorial’s new Afghanistan Gallery, which documents Australia's two-decade involvement in the conflict and honors its personnel.