Squiz Shortcuts: The arrest of Ben Roberts-Smith

This episode of Squiz Today examines the arrest and war crimes charges against Ben Roberts-Smith, Australia's most decorated living soldier, following a five-year investigation by federal authorities and the Office of the Special Investigator (OSI). Once celebrated as a national hero for his military service in Afghanistan, including receiving the Victoria Cross, Roberts-Smith faced allegations in 2017 and 2018 from journalists Chris Masters and Nick McKenzie that he was involved in the killings of at least five unarmed Afghan civilians, including elderly men and a farmer, and orchestrated a culture of bullying and 'blooding' within his unit. Despite his legal battle through defamation proceedings—funded by billionaire Kerry Stokes and supported by figures like Elon Musk and Pauline Hanson—the High Court rejected his final appeal in September 2024, paving the way for criminal charges. The case, which relies heavily on witness testimony due to the lack of physical evidence from Afghanistan, marks only the second time an ADF soldier has been charged with war crime murder. The episode also explores the broader implications, including public debate over the value of military honors, the role of media in holding power to account, and the emotional toll on victims’ families. The Australian War Memorial has confirmed it will update its display to reflect the charges, and Roberts-Smith’s trial is expected to be lengthy, involving over 100 witnesses. The episode concludes with recommendations for further exploration, including Nick McKenzie’s investigative piece and The Guardian’s podcast series on the defamation case. It underscores the tension between national heroism and accountability, and raises urgent questions about justice, memory, and the legacy of war in modern Australia. The tone is balanced and investigative, leaning toward cautious optimism about the rule of law, though tempered by the gravity of the allegations and the long road ahead.