Ben Roberts-Smith Arrested on War Crimes Charges in Afghanistan Case

Ben Roberts-Smith, Australia's most decorated living soldier, was arrested Tuesday at Sydney Domestic Airport on five counts of war crime murder. The former Special Air Service soldier is accused of killing unarmed Afghan civilians during his military deployment.

Roberts-Smith could face life in prison if convicted. He has consistently denied all wrongdoing throughout the legal proceedings.

The arrest follows a major legal defeat for Roberts-Smith last year. He lost a landmark defamation case where he had sued media outlets over reports of the alleged murders. That court case examined the same allegations now forming the basis of criminal charges.

Roberts-Smith served multiple tours in Afghanistan as part of Australia's involvement in the war there. He received the Victoria Cross, Australia's highest military honor, for his service.

The case represents one of the most high-profile war crimes prosecutions involving an Australian soldier. It comes as several Western nations grapple with allegations of misconduct by their forces during the Afghanistan conflict.