Opinion

Ben Roberts-Smith could have saved himself

The former SAS soldier’s reputation might largely be intact if he hadn’t threatened journalist Chris Masters.

Aaron PatrickSenior correspondent

Jun 7, 2023 – 9.18am

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There was a moment when war hero Ben Roberts-Smith could have saved himself from war crimes infamy and what has become known as the defamation trial of the century.

In 2017, journalist Chris Masters raised doubts with the former Special Air Service Regiment soldier about a 2006 incident in Afghanistan for which he was awarded the medal for gallantry.

Aaron Patrick is the senior correspondent. He writes about politics and business from the Sydney newsroom. Email Aaron at apatrick@afr.com