KABUL (Pajhwok): A former Australian soldier has confirmed that Ben Roberts-Smith, another ex-serviceman, committed war crimes during a mission in Afghanistan.
According to reports, Roberts-Smith was arrested last week at Sydney Airport in connection with alleged war crimes committed in Afghanistan.
The Australian Federal Police have indicated that five counts of “murder as a war crime” are expected to be brought against him.
These charges relate to three separate incidents that allegedly occurred between 2009 and 2012. If proven, they could carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
An Australian media outlet reported that a former member of the Australian armed forces who served in Afghanistan confirmed Roberts-Smith’s involvement in war crimes.
The former soldier, who requested anonymity, said military personnel were deployed to protect civilians and were not tasked with killing innocent people.
He added that those who have provided testimony regarding the allegations have faced significant pressure and criticism, but in his view, they are “the real heroes.”
hz/sa
