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Pauline Hanson, leader of the One Nation party, spoke at a Brisbane rally on Sunday in support of Ben Roberts-Smith, the former Australian SAS soldier facing five charges of war crime murder. Addressing a crowd of about 100 supporters, Hanson said she had "walked in the shoes" of Roberts-Smith, drawing a parallel between his prosecution and her own 2003 jailing for electoral fraud, a conviction that was later overturned.

Roberts-Smith, a Victoria Cross recipient, was arrested in April and charged with five counts of murder over allegations he killed unarmed civilians during his service in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012. He has categorically denied all allegations and has yet to enter pleas.

Coverage Comparison

Both ABC Australia and The Guardian reported on the event, though their accounts differ in tone and detail. ABC's report emphasized Hanson's personal reflections, while The Guardian noted the rally's atmosphere and the organizers' call for civilian support. The Guardian described the event as a "rally" and quoted organizers using the term "war hero" to describe Roberts-Smith, while ABC framed the gathering as a "barbecue" organized by supporters.

The Guardian reported that about 100 supporters attended, a figure consistent with ABC's reference to "several dozen" attendees. Organizers reportedly sold T-shirts with messages of support for Roberts-Smith, with proceeds going to a trust in his name.

Key Claims

  • Hanson's Comparison: Both sources reported that Hanson compared her own experience with electoral fraud to Roberts-Smith's legal ordeal, saying she knows "exactly what he's going through."
  • Support for Roberts-Smith: Hanson called Roberts-Smith a "war hero" and said she respects and admires him, though she stressed she would not judge him and that it was up to the courts to decide.
  • One Nation Candidacy: Hanson said she had considered asking Roberts-Smith to run for One Nation but decided it would be unfair to put that pressure on him while he faces trial.
  • Political Ambitions: ABC reported that Hanson, whose party has gained popularity in the past year, was asked if she would move to the lower house to become prime minister. This claim was not mentioned by The Guardian.

Perspectives

Hanson's Perspective

Hanson framed Roberts-Smith's prosecution as part of a broader societal issue, asking whether this is "the country I grew up in" and expressing concern about what is "next" for those accused. She urged the crowd not to judge the decisions made by soldiers in combat, saying "we can't judge them."

Organizers' Perspective

Event organizer Lawrence Henzell, who began selling support merchandise after Roberts-Smith's arrest, called for an "army of civilians" to support the former soldier. He said profits from shirt sales go to a trust established in Roberts-Smith's name.

Legal Context

Roberts-Smith's trial is ongoing, and he has yet to enter pleas. The charges relate to alleged incidents in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012. He previously lost a bid to challenge the result of a defamation case against Nine Entertainment, as noted by ABC.

As the legal process unfolds, Hanson's public support has drawn attention to the case, but she has consistently stated that the courts will determine the outcome. Whether her remarks influence public opinion or the trial's proceedings remains to be seen.