Supporters of decorated soldier Ben Roberts-Smith have been urged to transform Anzac Day into an unofficial tribute day following his bail approval this afternoon. The Victoria Cross recipient, facing charges over alleged murders in Afghanistan, appeared via audio-visual link from Silverwater Correctional Centre at Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court.
Bail Granted After Ten Days in Custody
Roberts-Smith, 47, secured his release after spending ten days in custody following his arrest at Sydney Domestic Airport on April 7. Local Court Judge Greg Grogin approved bail, noting the former Special Air Service soldier could face "years and years" in custody if denied release. The decision came after Roberts-Smith's legal team presented arguments for his freedom while he wore prison greens during the virtual hearing.
Pauline Hanson's Controversial Call to Action
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson immediately seized upon the bail decision, calling on Australians to attend Anzac Day services specifically in tribute to Roberts-Smith. "War heroes don't belong in political prisons," Hanson declared. "This Anzac Day, attend for Ben. Attend for the hundreds of thousands of Anzacs. Attend for our serving soldiers and those who love this country enough to fight for it."
Hanson, a longstanding supporter since war crime allegations surfaced in 2018, argued the bail decision "reflects that he is entitled to the presumption of innocence." She added, "Even though he has been bailed, these criminal proceedings will be hanging over Ben's head for years. It looks like the process is the punishment."
Strict Bail Conditions Imposed
The court imposed rigorous bail conditions on Roberts-Smith, including:
- Restrictions on travel outside Queensland except for legal or medical appointments
- Surrender of his passport to authorities
- Limited use of one phone and one laptop, with details provided to police
- Prohibition from contacting prosecution witnesses directly or indirectly
- Requirement to report to a police station three times weekly
A $250,000 surety was also mandated, with Roberts-Smith's father Len, a former judge, offering to provide the financial guarantee. Failure to comply with any condition would result in forfeiture of the surety.
Mixed Reactions to Hanson's Proposal
While some supporters embraced Hanson's call with #attendforBen trending on social media, many Australians criticized the politicization of Anzac Day. One commenter stated, "I will attend dawn service with my husband as usual, not for Ben, but in memory of the mates he lost." Another former Australian Defence Force member responded, "For the love of God, you know full well that this has zero to do with politics. It's a legal matter... I'd be horrified if people misuse ANZAC day as you suggest."
Legal Proceedings and Future Court Dates
Roberts-Smith faces five counts of "war crime - murder" relating to alleged incidents between 2009 and 2012 during his service in Afghanistan. The charges follow a five-year joint investigation by the Australian Federal Police and the Office of the Special Investigator.
Prosecutors indicated they would "substantially serve" their brief of evidence by late July. Roberts-Smith is scheduled to appear in court again on June 5, with the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions leading the case. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Anzac Day Participation Uncertain
Roberts-Smith has previously played prominent roles in Anzac Day commemorations, leading marches and speaking at dawn services nationwide. Whether he will participate in next week's events remains unknown, though his bail conditions permit attendance in Queensland where he will now reside.
Meanwhile, supporters have planned a Melbourne protest for the day after Anzac Day, organized by the National Workers Alliance, calling for charges against Roberts-Smith to be dropped. Originally scheduled for April 19, the rally was postponed following consultation with Roberts-Smith's family and may be reconsidered after the bail decision.
Background and Previous Legal Battles
The arrest follows Roberts-Smith's unsuccessful defamation action against Nine newspapers, which published reports in 2018 accusing him of war crimes. Court proceedings revealed police believed Roberts-Smith had "advanced plans" to relocate overseas before charges were filed, with The Daily Mail reporting he intended to pursue new work opportunities abroad.
Roberts-Smith was arrested while traveling with his partner Sarah Matulin and his twin teenage daughters. His parents, Len and Sue, attended Friday's court hearing to support their son, while supporters gathered outside the Downing Centre holding signs in his defense.
The former soldier has consistently denied involvement in any unlawful killings. His defense will be funded through the Afghanistan Inquiry Legal Assistance Scheme as the legal process continues to unfold.
