Episode Details

A high-stakes war crimes trial looms over Ben Roberts-Smith, sparking fierce debate and raising alarms about intimidation tactics targeting Liberal MP Andrew Hastie. Critics like Andrew Bolt call the mounting pressure on Hastie — who testified in a prior defamation case — a “sinister” campaign designed to silence witnesses. Amid online abuse labeling Hastie a “rat,” even Roberts-Smith’s mother has warned MPs against trusting him, while the media outlet behind the latest damaging article is linked to a billionaire backing Roberts-Smith. Though Hastie insists Roberts-Smith is innocent until proven guilty — and that no one is above the law — the legal landscape remains murky: Roberts-Smith denies all charges, and while he lost a defamation case, criminal trials demand higher proof. The appeal court’s judgment barely mentioned Hastie — even praising his honesty — yet the public narrative is turning toxic. The real concern? A chilling effect on future soldiers willing to speak truth to power.

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