Ben Roberts-Smith, Australia's most-decorated living soldier, has been charged with five counts of murder as a war crime, marking a significant development in the country's reckoning with alleged misconduct during its military involvement in Afghanistan.

The charges were filed last week against Roberts-Smith, who previously served as a Special Air Service Regiment corporal and received the Victoria Cross, Australia's highest military honor, for his service in Afghanistan.

Following the formal charges, Roberts-Smith issued his first public statement, indicating he intends to contest the allegations. The veteran has previously denied any wrongdoing related to his military service in Afghanistan.

The charges stem from Australia's broader investigation into alleged war crimes committed by its forces during the 20-year conflict in Afghanistan. A landmark military inquiry released in 2020 found credible evidence of unlawful killings by Australian special forces personnel.

Roberts-Smith's case represents one of the most high-profile prosecutions to emerge from the Australian military's internal examination of conduct during the Afghanistan deployment. The investigation has led to recommendations for criminal charges against multiple personnel.

The matter is expected to proceed through Australia's military justice system, with Roberts-Smith facing potential significant penalties if convicted of the war crime charges.