Ben Roberts-Smith, War Hero, Charged with War Crimes

Australia's most decorated living soldier, Ben Roberts-Smith, has been formally charged with alleged war crimes committed in Afghanistan. Mr. Roberts-Smith, a recipient of the Victoria Cross for bravery, denies all wrongdoing. The charges follow a years-long investigation into the conduct of Australian special forces. This development comes after the former soldier lost a high-profile defamation case last year. In that civil trial, a judge found that newspapers had proven substantial truth in reports alleging he committed unlawful killings. The police investigation is separate from that court case. Specific details of the criminal charges have not yet been made public. Mr. Roberts-Smith is expected to face court at a later date.