Ben Roberts-Smith, Australia's most decorated veteran, has lost an appeal regarding accusations of murder while serving in Afghanistan. The Federal Court unanimously ruled against him, stating that earlier reports were not defamatory and assertions of his involvement in four unlawful killings were largely substantiated. Roberts-Smith faces substantial legal fees from the lengthy trial and plans to further contest the ruling in Australia's High Court, maintaining his innocence. The case raises significant issues regarding investigative journalism and national security, reflecting the complexities involved in such legal battles.
Today is also a great day for investigative journalism and underscores why it remains highly valued by the Australian people, Maguire said.
Justice Nye Perram explained that the reasons for the decision are being withheld due to national security implications that the government must consider.
The marathon 110-day trial is estimated to have cost 25 million Australian dollars ($16m) in legal fees that Roberts-Smith will likely be liable to pay.
I continue to maintain my innocence and deny these egregious spiteful allegations, Roberts-Smith said in a statement.
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