Ben arrested

[mellie]

We need something equivalent to a "Presidential Pardon"

Not sure if we have such a thing but need it on this occasion!

Agreed!
If we did have an equivalent, then Labor would have already silently amended it by now, hence it's even happening to begin with.

[tllwd]

Hi mellie.

Australia has the Royal Prerogative of Mercy.

The Governor-General of Australia, acting on the advice of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, can pardon individuals convicted of Commonwealth crimes.

https://www.ag.gov.au/crime/federal-offenders/appeals

[Black Orchid]

Special Forces soldier who fought in same war as Ben Roberts-Smith in Afghanistan slams ‘witch hunt’ against comrades in first interview

https://www.news.com.au/technology/inno ... 5bb561050c

[Black Orchid]

‘We will support him to the day we die’: Kids of fallen SAS heroes break silence on BRS

https://www.news.com.au/technology/inno ... f366e219c5

[tllwd]

Special Forces soldier who fought in same war as Ben Roberts-Smith in Afghanistan slams ‘witch hunt’ against comrades in first interview

https://www.news.com.au/technology/inno ... 5bb561050c

ditto.

[tllwd]

Mr Roberts-Smith flew to Sydney this week and attended the Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday, where he sought to vary his bail to allow him to attend an event in Canberra next week, as well as a military parade in Singleton followed by a social event immediately afterwards.

Mr Roberts-Smith’s lawyer Slade Howell said the former soldier was invited to attend the official opening of the atrium at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

Judge Susan Horan granted the bail variation only for the purposes of allowing Mr Roberts-Smith to attend the Canberra event, but said he must disclose details of his flight and accommodation to the Officer of the Special Investigator.

Mr Roberts-Smith also sought to have his bail varied to attend a military parade and graduation in Singleton, in support of a close family friend, followed by a social event immediately afterwards.

However, this variation was refused by the court after the prosecution submitted while the march was a public event, the social event following the parade was an “uncontrolled social function” where alcohol would be consumed.

https://www.news.com.au/technology/inno ... c6f20a3f7e

[Black Orchid]

The Judge also claimed the parade in Singleton posed too high a risk that he would come into contact with potential witnesses.

SMH!