Vilseck: The court-martial of a US soldier accused of masterminding the execution of four Iraqi prisoners in 2007 continues on Tuesday.

Master Sgt. John Hatley has pleaded not guilty to premeditated murder, conspiracy to commit premeditated murder and obstruction of justice in the incident that took place in 2007.

Army judge Col. Jeffrey Nance and a jury of a mix of eight officers and non-commissioned officers are hearing the case, which is expected to last through the week.

According to testimony at previous courts-martial, four Iraqis were taken into custody in spring 2007 after an exchange of fire with Hatley's unit.

The prosecution has alleged that night patrol members took the men to a remote area and shot them. The bodies of the victims have never been found.