Top Investigator Defends Pace of Roberts-Smith War Crimes Probe

A senior Australian military investigator has publicly defended the speed of the high-profile war crimes inquiry involving former soldier Ben Roberts-Smith. The investigator described the case as "incredibly complex." He said such investigations require meticulous work to ensure fairness and accuracy. Ben Roberts-Smith, a decorated former Special Air Service (SAS) soldier, has been the subject of allegations concerning conduct during the Afghanistan war. He denies all wrongdoing. The investigator explained that these probes involve gathering evidence from war zones, protecting witnesses, and navigating complex legal rules. This thorough process, he stated, cannot be rushed. A landmark report released in 2020 found credible evidence of unlawful killings by Australian forces in Afghanistan. The investigations into individual soldiers, like Roberts-Smith, continue.