Subscribe
Home Blog Page 32

U.S. Approves Evacuation of Select Nigeria Embassy Staff Amid Growing Security Concerns

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
U.S. Approves Evacuation of Select Nigeria Embassy Staff Amid Growing Security Concerns

The U.S. State Department has sanctioned the withdrawal of certain personnel from its Nigerian embassy, citing escalating security concerns in the region.

This decision follows reports of the U.S. military deploying MQ-9 Reaper drones to Nigeria amid rising tensions and fears of a renewed insurgency by Boko Haram. Just a day before this announcement, gunmen launched an attack on two villages approximately 155 miles from Abuja, the location of the U.S. embassy, resulting in 20 fatalities, according to local residents who spoke to The Associated Press.

On April 8, 2026, the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria issued a statement confirming the voluntary departure of non-essential U.S. government employees and their families from the Abuja embassy due to the worsening security situation. While the embassy in Abuja remains operational, its capacity to provide emergency services to American citizens is now restricted.

The U.S. Consulate General in Lagos continues to offer both routine and emergency services to U.S. nationals in Nigeria. The State Department’s Travel Advisory for Nigeria is still at Level 3, urging potential travelers to reconsider their plans due to ongoing issues such as crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed gangs, and unreliable health care services.

Nigerian soldiers preparing to patrol at Headquarters Theatre Command Joint Task Force in Maiduguri

In a recent incident, Nigerian soldiers were seen preparing for patrol in Maiduguri on March 18, 2026, following a tragic triple suicide bombing that claimed 23 lives just two days prior. (Photo credit: Audu Marte/AFP/Getty Images)

The embassy also said, “U.S. citizens in Abuja should consider departing if you do not need to remain for emergency or essential purposes.” 

The recent attacks occurred in the early hours of Tuesday in Bagna and Erena, located in the Shiroro area of Niger state. 

“They came on motorbikes and began shooting. It was a surprise attack, because it was in the early hours of the morning,” Jibrin Isah, who lives in Erena, told the AP.

Police officers gather at the scene of a gunmen attack in Gari Ya Waye community Jos North Nigeria

Police officers gather at the scene of Sunday night gunmen attack in the Gari Ya Waye community in Nigeria, Monday, March 30, 2026. (Samson Omale/AP)

Residents said at least 20 people were killed, with more missing. However, local police said only three people were killed. 

The State Department said in a travel advisory issued Wednesday that there is “risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Nigeria,” adding, “Terrorists collaborate with local gangs to expand their reach” and “They may attack with little or no warning.” 

The MQ-9 drones reportedly were deployed to Nigeria in late March after 200 U.S. troops arrived in February to provide training and intelligence. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, is battling a complex security crisis, especially in the north of the country.

A spokesperson for AFRICOM, the U.S. Africa Command, had told the AP that U.S. troops “are working alongside their Nigerian counterparts to provide intelligence support, advisory assistance, and targeted training in support of the Nigerian Armed Forces.”  

Among the most prominent Islamic militant groups active in Nigeria are Boko Haram and its breakaway faction, which is affiliated with the Islamic State and is known as Islamic State West Africa Province, or ISWAP.

US military MQ-9 Reaper drone approaching landing at Rafael Hernandez Airport in Aguadilla Puerto Rico

A U.S. military MQ-9 Reaper drone approaches for landing at Rafael Hernandez Airport in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, on Dec. 29, 2025. (Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo/AFP)

There is also the ISIS-linked Lakurawa, as well as other “bandit” groups that specialize in kidnapping for ransom and illegal mining. 

President Donald Trump has spoken out against violence targeting Christians in Nigeria, telling Fox News Radio last year, “I’m really angry about it” and “What’s happening in Nigeria is a disgrace.”

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth also met with Nigerian national security advisor Nuhu Ribadu last November amid threats from Trump to cut off aid to Nigeria if the country “continues to allow the killing of Christians.” Nigerian officials have pushed back on the accusation.

Greg Norman is a reporter at Fox News Digital.

Step Inside Sharon Osbourne’s $17 Million Mansion, Once Shared with Rock Legend Ozzy, Now Up for Sale

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Step Inside Sharon Osbourne’s $17 Million Mansion, Once Shared with Rock Legend Ozzy, Now Up for Sale

Sharon Osbourne has made the decision to part ways with her Los Angeles residence, nearly a year following the passing of her husband, Ozzy. The couple had acquired this Hancock Park mansion in 2015 for $11.85 million, and it is conveniently located just five miles from the heart of downtown.

While their former Beverly Hills home, famously featured on MTV’s The Osbournes, remains etched in the public’s memory, this particular property has its own rich tapestry of history. Over the years, it has hosted numerous celebrities, adding to its storied legacy.

The home’s previous owner, radio personality Frank Bresee, established a unique tradition by inviting guests to leave their signatures in the house’s theater. Among the signatures are those of iconic figures such as Elvis Presley, Mel Tormé, and Natalie Wood. The listing agent recently confirmed to the Wall Street Journal that the theater still proudly showcases these historical mementos.

This mansion also had its share of the spotlight, serving as a filming location for the documentary Sharon & Ozzy Osbourne: Coming Home.

According to a description by Carolwood Estates, the property is considered “one of the legendary trophy estates of Hancock Park.” Designed by the renowned architect A.K. Kellogg in 1929, it is steeped in Hollywood history.

A description of the property from Carolwood Estates reads, “One of the legendary trophy estates of Hancock Park. Steeped in Hollywood history, designed in 1929 by architect A.K. Kellogg.”

And it can be yours if you have an extra $17 million lying around. So what do you get for all that cash?

The Mediterranean-style mansion, which was built in 1929, boasts more than 11,500 square feet of living space spread out over three levels with seven bedrooms and 11 bathrooms. When guests first step inside the abode, they are met with a grand foyer featuring herringbone-patterned hardwood floors, a curving staircase with wrought-iron balusters, and a sparkling gold chandelier dangling from the hand-painted ceiling. 

There’s also a spacious living room, a formal dining room, fireplaces throughout, elevator access, a wood-paneled library, a home theater, a two-bedroom guesthouse with a kitchen above a detached three-car garage, and a chef’s kitchen complete a breakfast nook and top-of-the-line appliances. Outside, you’ll find a huge backyard and a mosaic-tiled pool, fountains, an outdoor dining area with a pizza oven, and a barbecue. There’s plenty of lush greenery and tall trees surrounding the area to ensure privacy.

As the listing notes, “Situated behind tall gates for maximum privacy, this stunning property has been meticulously restored with attention to detail and craftsmanship rarely found today.”

The family announced the news of the Black Sabbath frontman‘s death on July 22, 2025, sharing: “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love.”

His cause of death was cardiac arrest and acute myocardial infarction. Coronary artery disease and Parkinson’s disease with autonomic dysfunction were listed as joint causes. He was 76.

In addition to Sharon, Ozzy is survived by his six children: Aimee, Kelly, Jack, Jessica, Louis, and his adopted son Elliot, as well as several grandchildren.

Chicago Incident: 37-Year-Old Woman Injured in Shooting on CTA Bus Near 39th Street and King Drive in Bronzeville, Police Report

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Chicago Incident: 37-Year-Old Woman Injured in Shooting on CTA Bus Near 39th Street and King Drive in Bronzeville, Police Report

CHICAGO — A shooting incident on a CTA bus on Chicago’s South Side left at least one person injured on Friday afternoon.

Eyewitnesses reported that the shooter appeared to be targeting someone else on the bus but ended up hitting a different passenger. The shocking event was captured on video as it unfolded in broad daylight, just as the bus arrived at a stop and a nearby high school was dismissing its students.

Chopper footage showed the scene at the intersection of East 39th Street and South King Drive in the Bronzeville neighborhood. The CTA bus was stationary, cordoned off with crime scene tape.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

According to Chicago police, shots were fired at the bus from the street at approximately 3:30 p.m. The incident occurred in the 3900 block of South King Drive, directly opposite a Mariano’s grocery store.

The sudden burst of gunfire sent people scrambling for safety, causing panic and prompting Wendell Phillips High School, located nearby, to temporarily go into lockdown.

“As I’m hearing the shooting, because I was about to go get my kids, and I had ducked down,” an anonymous witness said.

A 37-year-old woman on the CTA bus was shot in the leg. She was taken taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition, according to CPD.

“I heard a ‘clap, clap’ and we thought it was a car crash,” said Andre Anthony, the owner of a nearby barbershop. “Just a week, two weeks ago, something had happened at the parking lot of the LA Fitness.”

“So, all of these different escalations of activity, of crime, of shooting, it plagues us,” Anthony said.

Citizen App video showed the conscious 37-year-old passenger being wheeled off the CTA bus after she was shot. She is expected to survive.

Police say the gunman shot from outside the bus, right next door to Eric Lewis, a former Marine who saw the violence unfold.

“I don’t think the lady was the target. I think it was probably somebody else… On the bus,” Lewis said.

His military training then kicked in.

“I seen the young man with the gun in his hand, and I was trying to chase him,” Lewis said. “He cut through the alley, through the gangway and cut through this alley, ran diagonally.”

Lewis says the shooter was able to run away.

Multiple CPD squad car’s could be seen rerouting traffic at the scene. Police had King Drive between Pershing and 40th Street closed off to traffic as they investigated.

So far, no arrests have been made.

INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER Track crime and safety in your neighborhood

Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Tragic Discovery: 9-Year-Old Found Miles from Hit-and-Run Canal Crash, Family and Authorities Seek Justice

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Tragic Discovery: 9-Year-Old Found Miles from Hit-and-Run Canal Crash, Family and Authorities Seek Justice

Insets, clockwise from top: Timothy Chavez (Fresno police), Martha Hernandez (GoFundMe), Adrian Hernandez (GoFundMe). Background: Police in Fresno, California, retrieve a vehicle after it crashed into a canal (KFSN).

A tragic incident unfolded when a driver caused a fatal crash, sending a vehicle off the road and into a canal in California, resulting in the deaths of a mother and her 9-year-old son. Authorities reported that the driver fled the scene immediately after the accident.

Timothy Seth Chavez, aged 22, faces serious charges including two counts of vehicular manslaughter and felony hit-and-run. Additionally, he is charged with driving on a suspended license and lacking insurance at the time of the crash. The victims have been identified as 41-year-old Martha Hernandez and her son, Adrian Hernandez.

The collision took place shortly before 2 a.m. on a Monday at the intersection of McKinley Avenue and State Road 41 in Fresno, according to police sources. After causing the crash, Chavez reportedly escaped on foot.

Lilliana Perez, the niece of Martha Hernandez, expressed her dismay in a GoFundMe post aimed at assisting Hernandez’s surviving child. “This individual showed complete disregard for the lives affected by his actions,” she lamented. “My aunt and her youngest were left in a dire predicament, with their car submerged in a nearby canal.”

Emergency responders discovered Martha Hernandez inside the submerged vehicle and transported her to the hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries. Sadly, Adrian was not found with his mother at the scene.

“First responders were unaware her 9-year-old son was in the vehicle during the incident and was swept away by the water and found hours later miles away,” Perez wrote.

The mother and son were headed home from an Easter celebration.

“Our Adrian was a very pure and innocent person — a son, brother, student who loved school and was always involved in church with his mother,” Perez wrote.

Hernandez’s other son is set to graduate from high school later this year.

“He not only is left to face this milestone without his mom and little brother but also left with the weight to give his mother the funeral she deserves by giving her a service in her hometown and by transporting her to her childhood hometown in Mexico where her closest loved ones await,” said Perez. “The sudden loss has brought unexpected funeral expenses and living costs at a time that should be filled with hope and celebration.”

Chavez turned himself in to the Fresno County Jail on Monday night.

Authorities Seek Public Assistance Following Fatal Shooting and Burial of 65-Year-Old Victorian Man Suspected of Foul Play

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Authorities Seek Public Assistance Following Fatal Shooting and Burial of 65-Year-Old Victorian Man Suspected of Foul Play
Victorian police are turning to the public for information following the “suspicious death” of a man who was fatally shot and buried in the state’s north-west.

Richard Wills, aged 65, was last observed departing his residence on Hughs Street in Ouyen around 8 a.m. on Sunday, April 5, as part of his regular routine.

Authorities were informed that he intended to head to his rural property located along the Mallee Highway for work.

Richard Wills.
Richard Wills was fatally shot and buried in a “shallow grave”. (Nine)

Concerns were raised when Wills failed to return home for lunch, prompting his family members to search the property.

His absence led his wife to report him missing the next day, as he had not yet returned.

Police initiated a search of the area, ultimately discovering Wills’ body around 1:30 p.m. on April 7.

He had been fatally shot and buried in a “shallow grave” on his farm.

Detective Senior Sergeant Steve Trewavas from the missing persons squad said that he was “clearly met with foul play”.

“What is still unclear is exactly who was involved, and why,” Trewavas said.

“We’re hoping that this appeal leads to someone coming forward and doing the right thing, it can be done anonymously, so that we can hold those responsible to account.”

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.

Secret Service Trainee Arrested for Allegedly Spying on Roommate in Brunswick

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Secret Service Trainee Arrested for Allegedly Spying on Roommate in Brunswick


Aspiring Secret Service agent Joel Canvasser, aged 41, finds himself embroiled in legal trouble following his arrest on charges of unlawful eavesdropping, as reported by ABC News. The incident unfolded in Brunswick, Georgia, casting a shadow over the prestigious Federal Law Enforcement Training Center where Canvasser was honing his skills.

The arrest, which took place on a Wednesday, stems from allegations that Canvasser engaged in espionage against his roommate, who is also a Secret Service trainee. The alleged eavesdropping occurred over a month-long period, from March 8 to April 8, according to the Glynn County Police Department. Canvasser now faces a serious felony charge.

The situation came to light when Canvasser’s roommate, identified as Cade, reported suspicious activity to authorities at the training facility. Cade became aware of something amiss when he noticed his phone charger had disappeared around March 8. When confronted about the missing item, Canvasser reportedly suggested that the charger might have been taken by someone else.

In a twist, Canvasser later provided Cade with a replacement charger, an action that only deepened the mystery surrounding the original disappearance. The police report outlines these details, adding an intriguing layer to an already complex case.

Afterward, police say Canvasser gave Cade another charger.

About a week after Cade began using the new charger, the report states he started receiving “odd test messages” from various numbers, which he believed were spam.

When going to Canvasser for help with his phone, the report says Cade found it odd that it had automatically connected to Canvasser’s Wi-Fi after being reset, since he reportedly had never connected to the network before.

The report says the “odd text messages” Cade was receiving then stopped, but returned around a week later.

“There was a specific instance where Mr. Cade was using the bathroom and his phone was in his pocket,” the report states. “When he finished, he checked his phone and saw a message referencing him using the bathroom. It was at this point that Mr. Cade realized the individual was not watching hum through his phone camera, but instead from another device.”

Cade then found that the charging block he had received from Canvasser was a camera, according to the report.

“He realized this because when he had pulled it out of the wall, the light hit the device in such a way that made the lens visible,” the report states.

Canvasser was arrested later Wednesday. According to ABC News, he has since been released from jail on an $8,458 bond.

Secret Service Deputy Director Matthew Quinn shared the following statement to ABC News regarding the incident:

“On April 8, disturbing facts involving a Secret Service trainee assigned to a special agent training class at FLETC in Glynco, Georgia, were brought to light. An initial investigation by the Secret Service and FLETC led to the individual’s arrest by local authorities. The charges are deeply troubling and raise significant concerns about the individual’s character and fitness to serve. As this matter is now before the courts, we will allow the facts to be presented through the judicial process. We commend the swift actions of Secret Service trainers and FLETC personnel, whose prompt response ensured the matter was quickly brought forward and addressed through appropriate legal channels.”

Evans Teen Apprehended After Reaching 137 mph in High-Speed Pursuit with Georgia State Patrol

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Evans Teen Apprehended After Reaching 137 mph in High-Speed Pursuit with Georgia State Patrol


AUGUSTA, Ga. – In a dramatic turn of events, the Georgia State Patrol apprehended a teenager after a high-speed pursuit. The incident unfolded on April 6 when 17-year-old Luke Daniel Sachau attempted to evade law enforcement on the Bobby Jones Expressway.

Authorities reported that Sachau, behind the wheel of a BMW, reached speeds of up to 137 mph at the height of the chase. The pursuit captured attention as the teenager reportedly discarded small plastic bags, commonly associated with drug use, from both the driver’s and passenger’s side windows during the chase.

The chase concluded when Sachau eventually brought the vehicle to a halt, leading to his arrest by the troopers. The incident adds to ongoing discussions about road safety and youth involvement in high-speed pursuits.

Sachau was reportedly seen throwing small plastic bags, often used for drugs, out of the both the driver and passenger side windows.

He eventually stopped the vehicle and was arrested.

The teen has been charged with:

  • Felony – Fleeing/Attempting to Elude
  • Reckless Driving
  • Speeding in Excess of Maxium Limits
  • Open Container in Passenger Area
  • Littering Highway
  • Passing on the Shoulder of the Roadway

Sachau remains in the Richmond County Jail.

This is a developing story.

Chicago Father Sentenced for 2023 Attempted Bathtub Drowning of Son: A Chilling Tale of Domestic Violence

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Chicago Father Sentenced for 2023 Attempted Bathtub Drowning of Son: A Chilling Tale of Domestic Violence


CHICAGO (WGN) – In a chilling case from South Shore, a 32-year-old man, Jeremiah Campbell, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for attempting to drown his son in a bathtub. This tragic event was halted due to the quick thinking of a vigilant Lyft driver.

The court records indicate that Campbell admitted to the charge of attempted murder. In March, he received a 12-year sentence from the Illinois Department of Corrections. He has already been credited with 942 days of time served. Legally, he is required to serve a minimum of 85 percent of the imposed sentence.

Prosecutors revealed in court documents that the incident was averted thanks to the Lyft driver who, on August 25, 2023, immediately contacted the police after dropping off Campbell and his young son at the 7700 block of S. South Shore Drive. The driver reported being alarmed by Campbell’s disturbing comments during the ride.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE | Court records: Lyft driver’s 911 call halts father’s attempt to drown 2-year-old son

According to the Chicago Police Department’s arrest report, the driver informed authorities that Campbell was speaking about conspiracies and had intentions of sacrificing his son by drowning him as an offering to Jehovah.

It was around the same time that 911 call was made, that an arrest report shows an anonymous call was made from someone at that same address, who said his two-year-old son drowned in the tub.

A CPD arrest report showed officers arrived on scene and knocked twice, but nobody answered. They were able to look inside the window and saw a man bending over the bathtub, making suspicious movements.

Based on information CPD received from dispatch, provided by both the Lyft driver and the anonymous caller, court documents show the officers had enough information to believe they were witnessing a possible drowning, and forced their way inside.

Campbell heard the commotion and removed the child from the bathtub, according to the arrest report. Coughs could be heard coming from the toddler as Campbell pulled him out.

According to police, a responding officer grabbed the child and handed him off to paramedics, who rushed him to the hospital.

Days after the incident, WGN-TV spoke with neighbors and witnesses who saw the aftermath.

“It was just awful. It was just awful,” said Tonya, who was visiting a family member the night of the incident. She recalls what she describes as piercing screams, as she was alerted to the commotion.

“They brought the child out and he was just drenched and coughing,” said Tonya. “The thought that ran through my head; I just saw my grandson. It was just awful.”

At the time of the attempted drowning, Campbell was on probation in a 2021 domestic violence case, court records show. He was sentenced to 36 months’ probation in Nov. 2021 after pleading guilty to aggravated battery resulting in great bodily harm and domestic battery resulting in bodily harm.

Records from the IDOC show Campbell is currently incarcerated at the Stateville Correctional Center.

Shocking Cruise Ship Tipping Policy Sparks Outrage Among Passengers

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Shocking Cruise Ship Tipping Policy Sparks Outrage Among Passengers

Spring Break has unveiled the latest trend in America’s tipping culture.

As families, college students, and thrill-seekers embark on their spring adventures, a novel tipping scenario has emerged.

Many Americans are already exasperated by increasing tip percentages on receipts and the mounting pressure to tip for services ranging from pedicures to plumbing repairs.

Now, the scope of tipping has extended beyond the mainland—to American cruise ships, rather than overseas.

Recently, a traveler expressed frustration after being advised to tip $5 per bag to baggage handlers at a cruise port.

‘Why do they need to be tipped? They have good union jobs making a buttload of money and they really don’t provide a service,’ the cruise passenger complained on Reddit. 

This passenger ended up not tipping because the luggage attendant had so much cash in his hands he couldn’t help out in the first place.

‘My wife and I were just on a cruise and when we got to the port, we already had our luggage tags on our bags. When we got to the area where the luggage goes, the guy just told me to put them on the luggage carrier myself,’ they explained.

As families, college students, and adventurers set off on their springtime travels, a new opportunity for gathering gratuity has popped up

As families, college students, and adventurers set off on their springtime travels, a new opportunity for gathering gratuity has popped up

The list of tipping beneficiates has spread across oceans - not to other countries, but to American cruise ships.

The list of tipping beneficiates has spread across oceans – not to other countries, but to American cruise ships.

‘Apparently, he could not be bothered since he had a shitload of cash he received in his hands. So, I put our bags on the thingie and just walked away without tipping. My wife then asked me why I didn’t tip the guy like everyone else did. I told her that he didn’t do anything to warrant a tip. She just shrugged.’ 

People on Reddit were outraged by this latest tipping demand.

‘Damn. You’re expected to tip on cruises? They are already sooo expensive’ someone wrote.  

Another said: ‘If you don’t give them a bribe, they will put your bag on a cart and then hand it off. If you do bribe them, they will put your bag on a cart and then hand it off. There’s no difference. They’re not going to magically walk it up to your stateroom because you gave them a $5. Their job is to load carts with bags. That’s it.’

‘They don’t need to be tipped, they want to be tipped. They want a piece of the tipping culture,’ a different user wrote. 

‘I just do not see the logic in handing the guy a fiver when I am completely capable of handing my luggage myself,’ another added.

A similar conundrum arose last year, when it became apparent that hotel staff were increasingly expecting tips. 

Some Marriott and Hyatt properties started asking for tips at the front desk during check-in – a move many found off-putting.  

A recent traveler complained that they had been told to tip baggage handlers at a cruise port $5 per bag

A recent traveler complained that they had been told to tip baggage handlers at a cruise port $5 per bag

Traditionally, hotel guests might tip for services like luggage assistance or leave cash for housekeeping. 

But now, places like Marriott’s LaSalle Hotel in Bryan, Texas, and the Hyatt Centric Faneuil Hall in Boston have begun requesting  a tip at check-in, View From The Wing reported. 

‘Needless to say, we ignored the tip request,’ a guest asked to tip using a QR code at the Marriott LaSalle told the publication. 

The guest added that they were ‘smugly happy we don’t stay at Marriott very often anymore.’ 

Hotel chains have argued that prompting their guests to tip is an effective way to boost staff pay without having to raise wages.  

This practice also reflects the broader trend of ‘tipflation’, where tipping prompts are increasingly appearing across industries, shifting more of the responsibility for worker compensation onto customers. 

Australian War Memorial Updates Ben Roberts-Smith Exhibit Following War Crime Allegations

NewsFinale Journal
-
0

The Australian War Memorial has revised a display honoring former soldier Ben Roberts-Smith following charges related to alleged war crimes involving the deaths of unarmed Afghan civilians.

Roberts-Smith, recognized as Australia’s most decorated living veteran of the Afghanistan conflict, was detained at Sydney’s domestic airport on Tuesday morning. The arrest follows accusations that he was involved in the murder of Afghan individuals while serving in the country from 2009 to 2012.

On Friday, Matt Anderson, the director of the Australian War Memorial, announced that the plaque dedicated to Roberts-Smith’s Victoria Cross has been updated to incorporate these recent developments.

“We’ve amended the interpretive panel associated with the display to acknowledge these most recent events. He remains on display for his actions on a particular day in Afghanistan that led to the award of the Victoria Cross,” he said.

In 2023, the memorial updated the plaque following a civil judgement by Federal Court justice Anthony Besanko, which found there was “substantial truth” to allegations Roberts-Smith had been “involved and complicit in unlawful killings in Afghanistan”. It also said Roberts-Smith had appealed the decision.

Besanko’s findings were on the balance of probabilities, rather than the criminal standard of beyond reasonable doubt.

Roberts-Smith appealed that decision to the full bench of the Federal Court but was unsuccessful, and a subsequent application for special leave to appeal to the High Court was refused.

He was charged on Tuesday afternoon over five alleged murders in Afghanistan, including two counts of murder and three counts of aiding and abetting murder.

A photo released on Tuesday afternoon by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Office of the Special Investigator (OSI) showed officers speaking to Roberts-Smith while standing on the aerobridge to a Qantas flight.

Police escorting a man down a ramp from an aerobridge to the tarmac.
Ben Roberts-Smith, Australia’s most decorated living soldier, was arrested on Tuesday. Source: Supplied / Australian Federal Police/Australian Government Office of the Special Investigator

In a video, officers are seen escorting the disgraced former special forces soldier onto the tarmac and into a vehicle.

Earlier on Tuesday, AFP commissioner Krissy Barrett confirmed a 47-year-old former Australian Defence Force (ADF) member was expected to be charged with five counts of war crime murder but declined to directly name Roberts-Smith.

What charges does Ben Roberts-Smith face?

The OSI comprised of 54 investigators, launched an investigation into the soldier in 2021.

In collaboration with the AFP, it has launched 53 investigations involving allegations of war crimes by ADF members in Afghanistan, 39 of which have been provisionally finalised.

The charges Roberts-Smith faces relate to alleged unlawful killings of civilians in Afghanistan’s Uruzgan Province between 2009 and 2012.

The AFP and the OSI allege he intentionally caused the death of a person on or about 12 April 2009 at Kakarak, and separately aided, abetted, counselled or procured another person to do so on the same date and location.

He is also alleged to have aided, abetted, counselled or procured the intentional killing of a person on or about 11 September 2012 at Darwan.

Further charges relate to events on or about 20 October 2012 at Syahchow, where it is alleged he acted with another person to intentionally cause the death of an individual, and separately aided, abetted, counselled or procured another person to do the same.

“It will be alleged the victims were detained unarmed and were under the control of ADF members when they were killed,” Barrett told reporters on Tuesday.

Each of the offences carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Asked if others were involved in those matters, the Office of the Special Investigator said investigations were ongoing.

‘We don’t have crime scene access’

The OSI also defended its protracted investigation into Roberts-Smith.

“The challenge for investigators is that because we can’t go to that country, we don’t have access to the crime scene … We don’t have photographs, site plans, measurements, the recovery of projectiles, blood spatter analysis: all of those things we would normally get at a crime scene,” director of investigations Ross Barnett said.

“If you add to that, we don’t have access to the deceased,” he added.

Ben Roberts-Smith observing a display honouring him at the Australian War Memorial.
Ben Roberts-Smith at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra in 2011. Source: AAP / Alan Porritt

“There’s no post-mortem; therefore, there’s no official cause of death. There’s no recovery of projectiles to link to weapons that might have been carried by members of the ADF.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declined to comment on Tuesday, saying: “I’m not going to confirm anything to do with the legal matter.”

“That is a matter that is very important that there not be political engagement in what is a matter that is now the subject of legal proceedings, so I don’t intend to comment,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL) said it strongly supports the Australian judicial system and has confidence that it will thoroughly and fairly deal with the allegations.

RSL Australia national president Peter Tinley AM said: “As the current case goes before the courts, it must be allowed to run its course without interference.”

“Without doubt, the overwhelming majority of Australians who served in Afghanistan did so with honour, bravery and at significant personal cost. RSL Australia will not, and Australia should not, allow the alleged conduct of individuals to define the service of the many,” he added in a written statement.

“Regardless of the legal proceedings, RSL Australia’s primary responsibility is to the veteran community, and we are here to support all those who may be impacted. For those connected to the Special Forces, those involved in the proceedings, and those who may be called to testify, RSL Australia is here for you.”

The statement said the RSL’s 1,100 sub-branches across the country stood ready to provide support to anyone who needed it, with Tinley encouraging anyone “struggling with today’s news” to reach out to their RSL state branch or local sub-branch, or to any other veteran support services.

— With reporting by the Australian Associated Press.

For the latest from SBS News, download our app and subscribe to our newsletter.
1...313233...2,562Page 32 of 2,562

Subscribe for exclusive content

We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.

Subscribe

Copyright Newsfinal Publications.