Vilseck, Germany - The final trial of a group of US servicemen who were accused of murdering four blindfolded Iraqi men and dumping their bodies in a Baghdad canal began Monday in Germany. Master Sergeant John Hatley, 40, the highest-ranked of five accused, has been charged with premeditated murder by the military court in Vilseck, Germany, where their unit is based.

The soldiers had been under orders to release the captured Iraqis, but instead killed them in early 2007. In their defence, the soldiers testified that they believed the Iraqi captives were terrorists.

Four other soldiers have already been convicted. One of the accused, Sergeant First Class Joseph Mayo, received life imprisonment and another up to 35 years.

Two accused received sentences of seven and eight months after the court martial was told they knew that the Iraqis would be shot, but did not personally wield the guns.

Two other soldiers were also investigated for roles in the murder, but were not charged.

Those previously on trial are expected to testify against Hatley.

Hatley had previously denied the charges, according to the German regional daily Der Neue Tag. A verdict is expected Friday. (dpa)