AFP defends Roberts-Smith arrest as media leak probed
The Australian Federal Police have defended their investigation into the country’s most decorated living soldier over a media leak about his arrest.
After his sensational arrest on a Sydney Airport tarmac in April, Ben Roberts-Smith was accused of killing or ordering the killing of five unarmed detainees while he was serving in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012.
Following a flight from Brisbane, the Victoria Cross recipient was greeted by a media outlet’s camera crew as AFP officers escorted him off the plane.
No other media outlets were notified of the arrest in advance.
The agency responsible for investigating war crimes has asked the federal anti-corruption commission to investigate the leak, and AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett on Thursday backed the decision.
“Not only am I disappointed that the media outlet was there, but I am determined to find out how they knew about the arrest,” he said, according to Senate estimates.
“This may have been an unauthorized disclosure and in my opinion, anyone who discloses this information should face the consequences.
“I have no evidence that the AFP provided information to the media about the date or details of the arrest.”
Further details of his arrest were questioned by Liberal senator Michaelia Cash and One Nation senator Malcolm Roberts; Roberts asked why she was arrested in front of her young daughters and why the AFP shared official footage of Roberts-Smith after the arrest, which blurred her face.
Acknowledging a “legitimate interest” in the matter, Ms Barrett made a comprehensive statement.
The joint war crimes investigation into Australian Defense Force members deployed to Afghanistan was first launched in December 2021.
The Sensitive Investigations Oversight Board recommended charging Roberts-Smith on March 31 and received the approval of Attorney General Michelle Rowland on April 1, which led to the 47-year-old’s arrest on April 7.
The commissioner said he was detained at Sydney Airport for operational reasons.
The sterile environment at an airport, where people are screened and the area is controlled, makes it safer for the public and AFP officers to take action.
Ms Barrett said there were reports that Roberts-Smith had offered to show himself to police but this was “invalid”, partly due to the seriousness of the charges.
AFP also makes the footage available to the media to officially document an arrest and provide a source of truth in an age of misinformation.
“We swear to perform our duties faithfully and diligently, without fear, favor, affection or ill will,” Ms. Barrett said.
“The Australian people know that the AFP will determine cases based on the evidence before us, not on any individual’s name, reputation or background, and that is the right thing to do.”
The former SAS soldier has vowed to use the upcoming trial to clear his name.
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