Australian Veterans Handing Back Medals Over Handling of Roberts-Smith Case

MPs reveal veterans have been handing back medals in protest over the treatment of Australia’s military.

Decorated Australian soldier Ben Roberts-Smith arrested by the Australian Federal Police for alleged war crime murders in Afghanistan in Sydney, Australia on April 7, 2026. Courtesy of the Australian Federal Police

Australian veterans have been handing back medals to the Defence Department in a solemn protest against the handling of the Ben Roberts-Smith case.

Earlier this month, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Office of the Special Investigator (OSI) arrested and charged Roberts-Smith with five counts of the war crime of murder, including the alleged killing of Afghan civilians during his six tours to the country.