Pauline Hanson says she has “walked in the shoes” of accused war criminal Ben Roberts‑Smith, but insists it would not be fair to ask him to stand for One Nation while he awaits trial.
Speaking at a barbecue organised by Roberts‑Smith’s supporters in Brisbane, the One Nation leader told the crowd she understood the emotional strain of facing criminal charges, recalling her own 2003 imprisonment for electoral fraud before her conviction was overturned. Hanson said she believed Roberts‑Smith needed to know he had people standing behind him during what she described as a distressing period.
Roberts‑Smith, a former SAS corporal and Victoria Cross recipient, faces five counts of the war crime of murder in Afghanistan. He has not yet entered pleas but has categorically denied all allegations. He did not attend the event, though organisers invited Hanson to speak on his behalf.
“I’ve been in Ben Roberts‑Smith’s shoes, as far as facing a criminal trial. I’ve been there, and it’s a distressing time, especially when you know you’re innocent,” Hanson said. “I think Ben needs to know that people are supportive of him.”
Despite her sympathy, Hanson said encouraging him to run for One Nation before his trial would be inappropriate, stressing that the legal process must take its course.
+ There are no comments
Add yours