A previous defamation judgement in 2023 found he had killed several unarmed Afghans.
The 47-year-old denies all wrongdoing, and has previously said the allegations against him – which have not yet been assessed at a criminal standard – were “egregious” and “spiteful.”
The civil trial was the first time in history any court has examined allegations of war crimes by Australian forces.
It will be alleged in court Roberts-Smith intentionally caused the death of a person and aided, abetted, counselled or procured another person to intentionally cause the death of a person on or about April 12, 2009 at Kakarak, Afghanistan.
Other charges will also be made before the court.
AFP notes should Roberts-Smith be found guilty, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II shakes hands with Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith (2R) during a reception for living recipients of the Victoria and George Cross medals, in the Picture Gallery at Buckingham Palace in London on May 16, 2018. (JOHN STILLWELL/POOL/AFP via Getty)
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