Ben Roberts-Smith speaks out after arrest: ‘ I categorically deny all allegations’
Alleged war criminal Ben Roberts-Smith has spoken publicly for the first time after his arrest, vowing to fight the charges against him.
The 47-year-old former SAS soldier was arrested on 7 April and charged with murdering five unarmed detainees while deployed in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the Victoria Cross recipient said he “categorically” denies “all of these allegations”.
“While I would have preferred these charges not be brought, I will be taking this opportunity to finally clear my name,” he said.
After nine nights in custody, he successfully applied for bail at Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court and left Silverwater prison on Friday evening.
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