Andrew L. Urban
On April 17, 2026, the legal system will face its first test – and its easiest – in the Ben Roberts-Smith case, dealing with his application for bail. The Ben Roberts-Smith trial could be years away. He is not a flight risk. He should be released on bail. Unwarranted denial of bail is a denial of justice.
Robert Xie, accused of murdering five members of his wife’s family, spent four years and seven months in NSW jails without a conviction. Oliver Schulz, the only other Australian to have been charged with a war crime, was charged three years ago but will not face trial until 2027 – four years later. He was granted bail.