Australia Grants Bail to Ex-SAS Soldier in Afghan War Case

Chinese coverage links the case to wider criticism of how Western countries handle alleged abuses by their forces overseas. Reports highlight that the charges come years after the Afghanistan war ended and after strong public pressure. Commentators suggest the case shows that Western governments move slowly on crimes abroad while often criticising others on human rights.

• •Chinese outlets highlight that Roberts-Smith was celebrated as a war hero for years before facing charges.
• •Commentators argue that Western militaries only pursue war crimes cases when media and public pressure become intense.
• •Reports contrast the slow action on alleged Afghan civilian killings with Western criticism of other countries’ human rights records.
• •The case is used to question whether Western legal systems treat foreign civilian victims as seriously as their own citizens.
• •Chinese commentary suggests more cases involving Western troops in Afghanistan and Iraq may never reach court.