Roberts Smith, one of Australia's most famous soldiers, who has been accused of five war crimes in Afghanistan, has responded to the charges by saying that he denies all allegations and is proud to have served his country.
Publish dateMonday 20 April 2026 - 11:44
Story Code : 351759
Afghan Voice Agency (AVA): Roberts Smith, one of Australia's most decorated soldiers, who has been accused of war crimes related to missions in Afghanistan, has publicly denied the charges and said that he is proud of his military service.
Speaking to reporters, Roberts Smith said that he had always acted in accordance with the rules of engagement in Afghanistan. "I categorically deny all these charges and although I would have preferred that these charges not be made, I am taking this opportunity to clear my name."
Smith, 47, who was released on bail, faces five counts of war crimes in connection with the killing of five unarmed Afghan civilians between 2009 and 2012.
He was released on bail after a week by a judge. The judge said the case could take years to resolve.
The former Australian special forces soldier has consistently denied the charges, which were first reported in a series of reports by Nine Entertainment in 2018. Police have said Roberts-Smith's victims were not involved in the fighting at the time of their deaths and were killed while in custody and unarmed.
Speaking to reporters, Roberts Smith said that he had always acted in accordance with the rules of engagement in Afghanistan. "I categorically deny all these charges and although I would have preferred that these charges not be made, I am taking this opportunity to clear my name."
Smith, 47, who was released on bail, faces five counts of war crimes in connection with the killing of five unarmed Afghan civilians between 2009 and 2012.
He was released on bail after a week by a judge. The judge said the case could take years to resolve.
The former Australian special forces soldier has consistently denied the charges, which were first reported in a series of reports by Nine Entertainment in 2018. Police have said Roberts-Smith's victims were not involved in the fighting at the time of their deaths and were killed while in custody and unarmed.
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