Stan launches documentary on Ben Roberts-Smith war crimes investigation
Stan has today launched a new documentary following two of Australia’s best investigative journalists’ quest to uncover the truth of war veteran Ben Roberts-Smith.
The feature length film, ‘Revealed: Ben Roberts-Smith Truth on Trial’, delves into Nick McKenzie and Chris Masters’ five-year pursuit of Roberts-Smith, as they look to expose the decorated veteran for committing war crimes in Afghanistan.
It traces the origins of the journalists’ controversial 2018 reports, and the subsequent story on Nine Network’s 60 Minutes, to the recent defamation trial earlier this year, where Roberts-Smith made defamation claims against McKenzie and Masters, as well as Nine mastheads The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Canberra Times.
The articles alleged that the Victoria Cross and Medal of Gallantry winner unlawfully murdered prisoners while deployed in Afghanistan from 2006-2013.
In June, Justice Anthony Besanko found the articles published proved some allegations of war crimes, and found them sufficient enough to throw the defamation case out. He said Roberts-Smith’s conduct in a number of missions has found the publications established the substantial truth of the imputations in the articles.
A day later, Roberts-Smith stepped down as general manager of Seven West Media Queensland, after being on an extended leave of absence throughout the trial.
In July, Roberts-Smith launched an appeal against the defamation loss, which is set to be heard before a court in February.
Created in collaboration with Nine Network’s 60 Minutes and mastheads The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald, the documentary showcases how McKenzie and Masters’ investigation uncovered a toxic warrior culture in Australia’s Defence Force, as well as how it exposed a once respected Australian ‘hero’.
The documentary is directed and produced by Stan’s Dora Weekley, with executive producers Cailah Scobie and Amanda Duthie.
Watch a sneak peek here:
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Lauren McNamara is a journalist at Mumbrella, covering the creative and PR beat. She joined in November 2022 as editorial assistant, after completing a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) at UTS.
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When Australia’s enemies are climbing over Australian citizens bodies, will “journos” Chris Masters and Nick McKenzie be there to defend us? Bravo Aussie journalists, but you have amnesia about vaccine injuries, the WHOs Pandemic Treaty, and with Digital Currency. Bravo .
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