Australian War Hero Ben Roberts-Smith Seen Boarding Flight in New Zealand

Ben Roberts-Smith Spotted Checking into Flight in New Zealand

Former SAS Corporal Facing Intense Scrutiny upon Return to Australia

June 14, 2023

Ben Roberts-Smith, former SAS corporal and recipient of the Victoria Cross, has been spotted checking into a flight in New Zealand and is expected to return to Australia imminently. His return will not be without controversy, as he faces intense scrutiny following the recent judgment in his defamation case against The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Canberra Times.

Roberts-Smith was last seen at a Bali resort on the day before the judgment was delivered. He was absent from court when it was ruled that the media outlets had proven the truth of allegations that he was involved in war crimes, murder, and bullying. Despite attending every day of the 110-day trial, he chose not to be present for the judgment.

Potential War Crimes Investigation and Suspected Witness Intimidation

As Roberts-Smith returns to Australia, he does so amidst ongoing investigations into potential war crimes and suspected witness intimidation during the defamation trial. It has been reported that he may be returning to his home town of Brisbane, although he had yet to be sighted in Australia as of Wednesday evening. Prior to his departure from New Zealand, he was spotted in Wanaka, where a witness who testified in his support during the trial owns a property.

This particular witness, known as Person 35 in the trial, had conversed in detail with other witnesses supporting Roberts-Smith before giving testimony. The fact that Channel Seven, for which Person 35 previously worked, had paid the legal costs for this witness and others was noted by Justice Anthony Besanko in his judgment.

Investigation into Afghan Captives Execution

In addition to the defamation trial, Roberts-Smith has been the subject of a five-year Australian Federal Police (AFP) inquiry into his alleged involvement in the execution of three Afghan captives. However, the inquiry collapsed after the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) decided not to prosecute Roberts-Smith based on evidence gathered during the AFP probe.

As a result, a new joint taskforce has been established to investigate the alleged executions. This taskforce comprises detectives from the Office of the Special Investigator, a specialist war crimes agency, as well as a new team of federal police investigators who are not connected to the abandoned AFP probe.

Defamation Verdict and Political Responses

Following the recent verdict in the defamation case, Liberal MP Andrew Hastie spoke publicly for the first time, expressing relief that the judgment went against Roberts-Smith. Hastie, a former SAS captain who had been subpoenaed to give evidence, stated that the men who spoke out had rescued the regiment.

Hastie emphasized that this issue transcended politics and media rivalries, asserting that it was a matter of morality and the rule of law versus the rule of the jungle. He firmly stated that Australian soldiers do not execute non-combatants taken as prisoners.

Editorial: Questions of Morality and Justice

The case of Ben Roberts-Smith raises important questions about morality, justice, and the responsibility of those in positions of power and authority. The allegations against him, if proven true, point to grave violations of human rights and international law.

However, it is critical to maintain a presumption of innocence until guilt has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt. It is the task of the courts and investigating bodies to carefully evaluate the evidence and reach a just conclusion.

Furthermore, it is essential for society, particularly those in leadership positions, to uphold and defend the principles of morality and the rule of law. The actions of individuals cannot taint the collective reputation of an entire organization or institution. The alleged actions of one individual should not overshadow the honorable and selfless work of the many servicemen and women who have served with integrity and distinction.

Advice: Seeking a Just Resolution

In light of the ongoing investigations and legal proceedings, it is important for all parties involved to cooperate fully and adhere to the due process of law. This includes providing access to relevant evidence and testimony, conducting thorough and impartial investigations, and allowing for a fair trial.

For the public, it is crucial to exercise restraint and avoid rushing to judgment or spreading unfounded rumors. The outcome of these cases will have far-reaching implications, both for the individuals involved and for the reputation of the Australian military as a whole.

Ultimately, it is the duty of the judicial system to impartially weigh the evidence, ensure a fair trial, and deliver justice. It is only through a fair and just resolution that trust and confidence can be restored in the institutions tasked with upholding the rule of law and protecting human rights.