Ben Roberts-Smith, the former Australian SAS corporal and Victoria Cross recipient, will attend an Anzac Day service in Queensland on Saturday, his first such commemoration since being charged with five counts of war crime murder. The charges relate to alleged killings of unarmed civilians in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012, which he has vehemently denied.
In a statement, Roberts-Smith said Anzac Day was 'sacred' to him and every other veteran. 'I will be attending to pay my respects and I encourage everyone else to,' he added. The 45-year-old has been living in Queensland since being released on bail, and is prohibited from leaving the state except for travel to New South Wales and Western Australia for medical and legal reasons.
The Returned and Services League (RSL) confirmed that Roberts-Smith, like any veteran, was welcome to attend Anzac services. Its national president, Peter Tinley, a former SAS soldier, said: 'The Anzac Spirit doesn't just live in history. It lives in the choices we make today, the way we treat each other, and the unity we show when we come together.'
Meanwhile, a group whose founder describes himself as a 'white nationalist' plans to hold a rally in support of Roberts-Smith in Melbourne on Sunday. The National Workers Alliance, which calls for the charges to be dropped, has also been linked to disruptions at a Liberal MP's event. However, a spokesperson for Roberts-Smith insisted that neither he nor his family are involved with the rally or its organisers, and they have not been consulted.
The rally is also promoted by Fight for Australia, formerly March for Australia, which has encouraged its supporters to boo Welcome to Country ceremonies at Anzac Day events. Roberts-Smith, who denies all allegations, stated he is proud of his service and intends to clear his name through the legal process.
