SAS witnesses in Ben Roberts-Smith case face loss of anonymity

Dozens of former SAS soldiers potentially called as witnesses in the Ben Roberts-Smith murder case have been notified that their identities are no longer automatically protected. The Office of the Special Investigator informed these veterans that they are no longer covered under the Defence Department’s “protected identity status,” a regulation that previously prevented the naming of current and retired special forces personnel without permission.

To maintain anonymity, these witnesses must now apply to a judge for specific court orders. This change reportedly occurred ahead of the prosecution of former SAS trooper Oliver Schulz. The Defence Department has declined to disclose when or why the identity rule for special forces veterans was modified.

Ben Roberts-Smith, a Victoria Cross recipient, faces charges regarding the deaths of five prisoners in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012. The case is scheduled to return to the NSW Local Court for procedural hearings on Tuesday and September 8 to discuss the handling and presentation of evidence.