Human Rights Watch 82d ago

Daniela Gavshon , Australia Director at Human Rights Watch, speaks to 9News about Ben Roberts-Smith's arrest and why it is a step towards accountability for Afghan victims. Almost six years have passed since the release of the Independent Afghanistan Inquiry (known as the Brereton Report), which detailed alleged war crimes committed by Australian Special Forces in Afghanistan spanning 2005 to 2016. So far no one has stood trial for these crimes, and no victims or their families are known to have been compensated. Despite the sluggish pace of justice for Afghan victims, Roberts-Smith’s arrest sends a powerful message to Australia’s armed forces that even those deemed “war heroes” are not above the law. It also sets a striking example for other countries about the importance of adhering to international law and pressing for accountability, no matter how long it takes. This latest arrest should be backed by continuing efforts to identify and hold accountable all those responsible for war crimes in Afghanistan and elsewhere, and to ensure victims receive their rightful compensation. Read more at hrw.org, or visit https://www.hrw.org/news/2026/04/08/decorated-australian-soldier-arrested-for-afghanistan-war-crimes