Australia’s most decorated soldier, charged with war crimes related to Afghanistan deployments more ​than a decade ago, on Sunday publicly denied the allegations ‌against him and said he was proud of his service.

Ben Roberts-Smith, 47, freed this week on bail, is charged with five counts of war crimes over ​the alleged murder of five unarmed Afghan civilians between 2009 ​and 2012.

Each charge carries a maximum jail term ⁠of life.

The former Special Air Service (SAS) corporal has consistently denied ​the accusations of wrongdoing, many first reported by Nine Entertainment newspapers ​in a series of articles starting in 2018.

Speaking to the media on Queensland’s Gold Coast, Roberts-Smith said he always acted within the rules of engagement ​in Afghanistan.

“I categorically deny all of these allegations, and while ​I would have preferred these charges not be brought, I will be taking ‌this ⁠opportunity to finally clear my name,” he said. “I’m proud of my service in Afghanistan.”

After more than a week in custody, Roberts-Smith was granted bail after a judge said his matter would likely take ​years to get ​to court.

Prosecutors ⁠had opposed bail on fears Roberts-Smith might try to contact witnesses.

Police have said they will allege ​Roberts-Smith’s victims were not taking part in hostilities ​at the ⁠time of their deaths and were detained, unarmed and under the control of Australian forces when killed.

In 2023, Roberts-Smith lost a defamation ⁠suit ​over the media accusations and was found ​on the balance of probabilities to have been involved in the murder of four ​Afghan civilians.