SYDNEY: An Australian former soldier charged with committing warfare crimes in Afghanistan vowed on Sunday (Apr 18) to clear his title, saying he had by no means “run from a struggle” in his first public feedback since his arrest.
“For the previous 10 years, my household and I’ve been topic to a marketing campaign to persuade Australians that I’ve acted improperly in my service in Afghanistan,” Ben Roberts-Smith advised journalists in Gold Coast.
“I categorically deny all of those allegations, and whereas I might have most popular these fees not be introduced, I will likely be taking this chance to lastly clear my title,” he mentioned.
Roberts-Smith was granted bail on Friday after a high-profile arrest on 5 counts of “warfare crime – homicide”. Police alleged he was complicit in a string of illegal killings between 2009 and 2012.
The Victoria Cross recipient has denied all the costs.
He was launched from jail on Friday night after 10 days behind bars.
“I am pleased with my service in Afghanistan. Whereas I used to be there, I all the time acted inside my values,” he mentioned on Sunday.
