Former Australian Special Forces soldier Ben Roberts-Smith is at the centre of one of the country’s most closely watched legal cases, facing multiple allegations linked to war crimes and murder.

The case involves five major allegations examined in court, including claims of unlawful killings during his military service in Afghanistan. Roberts-Smith has consistently denied all allegations against him.

Allegation 1: Shooting of a Prisoner With a Prosthetic Leg

One of the most controversial claims involves the alleged shooting of an unarmed man reportedly fitted with a prosthetic leg. The incident has been described in court proceedings as a potential breach of the laws of armed conflict.

Allegation 2: Killing of a Shepherd

Another allegation claims that Roberts-Smith was involved in the death of a shepherd during a military operation. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain disputed and are part of ongoing legal examination.

Allegation 3: Cliff Incident Killing Claim

A separate charge alleges that a man was forced or caused to fall from a cliff during an operation, resulting in his death. This claim forms part of the broader war crimes case being heard.

Allegation 4: Execution-Style Killing Claim

Court documents also reference allegations of an unlawful execution-style killing during deployment, which prosecutors argue may constitute a breach of international humanitarian law.

Allegation 5: Additional Unlawful Killing Accusation

The fifth charge involves another alleged unlawful killing during operations, which remains under legal scrutiny as part of the wider case.

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