The original photo (left) of Ben Roberts-Smith displaying a Crusader’s cross on his uniform while on duty in Afghanistan. The evidence was later edited out (right) in the official photo released by Defence.Credit:ADF
ButThe Sydney Morning Herald andThe Age has obtained the original photo,which was taken on April 6,2010,revealing Mr Roberts-Smith was in fact bearing the Crusader’s Cross.
Australia Defence Association executive director Neil James said displaying the symbol was “wrong morally” and “counterproductive”.
The symbol dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries when the Crusaders captured parts of the Middle East from Muslim control. Many Muslims find the cross to be offensive,particularly when displayed by western soldiers in their country.
A spokesperson for Defence said it “does not condone or permit the use,display or adoption of symbols,emblems and iconography that are at odds with Defence values”.
Ben Roberts-Smith is suing The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald over the reports.Credit:Edwina Pickles
Mr James said wearing a Crusader’s cross was “simply unprofessional” and part of thepoor cultural standards that were unearthed by the long-running Brereton inquiry.
“We know from the Brereton report that a lot of the things that were allegedly done were due to unprofessional actions,” he said.