controversial trial

Controversial trial of Nauru 19 about to open

And the group, which now numbers 15, will be facing the court without legal representation.

The Nauru 19 were involved in an anti-government protest in June 2015 and have been put through a convoluted legal process ever since.

Last year, an Australian appointed as judge, Justice Geof Muecke, granted them a permanent stay, saying the group's judicial rights had been abused by the then Nauru Government.

The government had refused them proper legal aid and placed them on a blacklist, ensuring they would struggle to find work.