Ben Roberts-Smith’s defamation trial laid bare the brutal reality of Australia’s decades-long war in Afghanistan – now the ex-soldier awaits judgment

While costs of about $25m and possibly millions in damages are at stake, the trial also has existential implications for Australian journalism Ben Roberts-Smith’s defamation trial against the Age, the Sydney Morning Herald and the Canberra Times began in June 2021. Photograph: Sam Mooy/Getty Images Not with a bang but a whimper. With...