Sam Newman has called for all charges against decorated war veteran Ben Roberts-Smith to be dropped, as the Victoria Cross recipient prepares to fight multiple war crime allegations in court.
Newman's comments on podcast
Speaking on the latest episode of his controversial podcast You Cannot Be Serious, Newman said Australia should support Roberts-Smith amid the ongoing legal proceedings.
'Australia should support Ben Robert Smith,' he said. 'They should drop all the charges and wipe the frown off their face and get on with life,' he added.
Roberts-Smith's legal situation
Roberts-Smith, 47, has been charged with five counts of the war crime of murder relating to alleged incidents involving Afghan nationals between 2009 and 2012. He has not yet entered pleas and has categorically denied the allegations.
The former Special Air Service corporal was arrested at Sydney Airport earlier this month as part of a joint investigation by the Australian Federal Police and the Office of the Special Investigator. He was taken into custody after being removed from a plane on the tarmac while travelling with his family.
'What they did… on a plane in front of his children … was absolutely disgraceful,' Newman said. 'They could have done it anywhere any time and they had to do it there like that.'
Roberts-Smith spent nine nights in custody at Sydney's Silverwater Correctional Centre before being granted bail on April 17. Judge Greg Grogin said he was satisfied the bail conditions reduced the risk of flight and interference with witnesses.
'I am satisfied that the proposed conditions … ameliorate the unacceptable risk of flight … and interfering with witnesses or evidence and I will be granting bail,' the judge said.
Under the bail conditions, Roberts-Smith must report to police three times per week and provide a $250,000 surety.
Concerns about potential relocation
Court documents revealed investigators had concerns Roberts-Smith may have been planning to relocate overseas prior to his arrest, including possible moves to Singapore, Spain or the United States. Authorities alleged he had booked international travel and explored business opportunities abroad, including inquiries into fitness and wellness ventures in Spain.
An affidavit from his partner stated the couple had discussed moving overseas in recent years but intended to return to Australia if charges were laid. 'We never planned to run away from this and have always intended to face the criminal charges if they presented,' she said.
Roberts-Smith's response
Following his release, Roberts-Smith said he would fight the allegations. 'I will be taking this opportunity to finally clear my name,' he said. 'I have never run from a fight in my life. I will never give up and I will always be in the fight.'
He has also confirmed plans to attend Anzac Day commemorations in Queensland, describing the occasion as 'sacred'. 'Anzac Day is sacred to me and every other veteran. I will be attending to pay my respects,' he said.
War veteran and Victoria Cross recipient Keith Payne has publicly supported his attendance at commemorations. 'Of course he should march or be at the Dawn Service, whatever he wants to,' Payne said.
Newman's criticism of arrest
During the podcast, Newman criticised the manner in which Roberts-Smith was taken into custody, referring to the arrest on the aircraft. 'The fact that they… put a show on and did it on a plane in front of his children… I thought was absolutely disgraceful,' he said. 'They could have done it anywhere, any time and they had to do it there like that.'
Newman also claimed there was growing public support for the veteran. 'The overwhelming support for Ben Robert Smith… and rightly so,' he said.
Roberts-Smith's case is expected to return to court in early June.
