Truth on war crimes leaves decorated soldier’s legacy destroyed | 60 Minutes Australia

Jun 04 2023

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For many Australians, it’s almost too difficult to even imagine. In a landmark defamation trial, the country’s most revered and decorated soldier, Ben Roberts-Smith, has been found to be a murderer and a war criminal. Today, Federal Court Justice Anthony Besanko delivered his judgement in the case. It came after Roberts-Smith sued Nine Newspapers and reporters Nick McKenzie and Chris Masters, following damning articles they wrote about the Victoria Cross recipient in 2018. The journalists’ investigation revealed that far from being a hero of the Afghanistan war, Roberts-Smith broke moral and legal rules of military engagement, including being involved, directly and indirectly, in the murders of a number of innocent Afghan civilians and other persons-under-control (PUCs). He also engaged in multiple acts of violence including bullying and intimidation of fellow SAS soldiers. Roberts-Smith was not in Sydney to hear Justice Besanko’s decision, instead preferring to holiday in Bali. Outside the Federal Court, McKenzie and Masters re-enforced the importance of the role journalists have in exposing truth, even in cases where revealing wrongdoing could have embarrassing and serious national security implications. They also acknowledged the bravery of the SAS soldiers who spoke out to defend the truth. Since 2019, 60 MINUTES has supported the reporting of McKenzie and Masters by broadcasting multiple stories about Afghanistan war atrocities committed by Australian soldiers. In a special edition of the program this Sunday, Tom Steinfort reveals even more information about what really happened in Afghanistan. As part of his report, Steinfort, cameraman Scott Morelli and sound recordist Matt Brown made a dangerous journey to Kabul to speak to Afghan witnesses to Robert-Smith’s alleged crimes. It’s believed the 60 MINUTES team are the first Australian media to travel to Afghanistan since the Taliban reclaimed control of the country in August 2021. For over forty years, 60 Minutes have been telling Australians the world’s greatest stories. Tales that changed history, our nation and our lives. Reporters Liz Hayes, Tom Steinfort, Tara Brown, Nick McKenzie and Amelia Adams look past the headlines because there is always a bigger picture. Sundays are for 60 Minutes. #60MinutesAustralia