Australian boxing legend Danny Green has unleashed a blistering social media tirade against those responsible for arresting decorated soldier Ben Roberts-Smith over alleged war crimes. The former light-heavyweight world champion expressed his fury after the ex-SAS soldier was formally charged on Tuesday with two counts of the war crime of murder and three counts of aiding or abetting the same serious charges.
Green's Fiery Social Media Outburst
In an emotional Instagram and Facebook post that quickly went viral, Green wrote directly to Roberts-Smith: 'Ben Roberts-Smith you have the support of many good people.' The boxing icon continued with scathing criticism of the authorities, stating: 'A shocking day when a MAN who was trained by the government and paid by the government to go to a war joined by the government, now arrest him in front of his two children, the same man who risked his life daily for that same government's own children.'
Green concluded his passionate message with the emphatic declaration: 'SHAME ON EVERYONE WHO HUNG THIS HERO OUT TO DRY. You know who you are I hope you feel satisfied. Makes me want to vomit and rage at the same time.' The 53-year-old finished his post with a rat emoji, symbolizing his contempt for those involved in the arrest.
Overwhelming Public Support
The former champion's message resonated powerfully with his followers, attracting more than 70,000 likes on Facebook and an additional 13,000 on Instagram. The post generated over 8,000 comments overwhelmingly supporting Green's stance, with typical responses including 'He's a hero', 'God bless you Ben Smith' and 'This guy is an Aussie legend and deserves only respect'.
Roberts-Smith's Legal Situation
On Wednesday, it was revealed that Roberts-Smith will remain in custody for at least two months following his arrest. Australia's most decorated living soldier spent the night in Sydney's Silverwater prison after his initial court appearance.
During a brief online NSW Bail Division Court hearing, Roberts-Smith's lawyers did not immediately apply for his release. Instead, they attempted to have the matter listed for an in-person hearing at Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court later that day, but conceded this was unlikely. His lawyer Jordan Portokalli told the court: 'We understand that's a bit of a pipe dream.'
The judge subsequently relisted the matter for June 4, meaning the Victoria Cross recipient will remain incarcerated for at least two months. The 47-year-old faces allegations of murdering unarmed civilians while deployed in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012, as well as failing to prevent members of his unit from killing three others.
Potential Watershed Legal Case
While Roberts-Smith's legal battles began in 2017 with his unsuccessful defamation lawsuit against Nine Newspapers, legal experts suggest his criminal case could represent a landmark moment for war crimes prosecutions in Australia. The prospect of a criminal trial for alleged offences committed overseas during wartime is nearly unprecedented in modern Australian legal history.
Former president of the Australian Human Rights Commission Gillian Triggs highlighted the complexity of the case, stating: 'It's a very technical area of law and we have had very few examples in Australian national practice that would provide some precedents.' Professor Triggs emphasized the unusual nature of prosecuting alleged war crimes committed in foreign conflict zones, suggesting this case could establish important legal precedents for future proceedings.
If found guilty of the charges, Roberts-Smith could potentially face life imprisonment, marking a dramatic fall from grace for Australia's most celebrated living soldier. The case continues to generate intense public debate about military accountability, national heroism, and the complex legal framework governing wartime conduct.
