Ben Roberts-Smith to make first public comments since war crime charges
Ben Roberts-Smith is expected to make his first public statement since being charged with five war crime murders allegedly committed while he served with the Australian Special Air Service in Afghanistan.
The Victoria Cross grantee told reporters on Sunday morning: “I will make a statement later today. I will do it today.”
He was speaking from the Gold Coast, where he had traveled after being released from Sydney’s Silverwater Prison on Friday.
Mr Roberts-Smith was held in custody for nine nights before Judge Greg Grogin granted him bail.
He is charged with war crimes linked to his service in Afghanistan, including the alleged unlawful killing of unarmed Afghan civilians during SAS operations. He did not enter a defense against the charges but has consistently maintained his innocence.
Mr Roberts-Smith currently lives under conditions that include regular police reporting and restricted movements.
Under his bail conditions, he must report to the local police station three times a week from Monday while the legal process continues.
More to come.
