Killing women okay, kids and old people, too.

Really. It's okay according to the Religion of Peace. It's all good.

Exclusively Moslem and male" group plead not guilty.

The crown prosecutor has begun the opening statements in Australia's biggest terrorism trial, telling Victoria's Supreme Court that the exclusively Muslim and male group was set-up to carry out a violent jihad.

The opening day of the trial of 12 men has heard that they were part of a terrorist organisation which had been instructed that killing women and children was permissable (sic). Crown prosecutor Richard Maidmen told the court that the group was led by 47 year old Benbrika from Dallas.

Mr Maidment said Benbrika had suggested during taped telephone calls with another man that a bombing attack where the maximum loss of life could be inflicted. The court heard an attack on a football ground was a suitable target.

Mr Maidment says Benbrika told the group it was permissable to kill women, children and the elderly.

The men are accused of a range of terrorism-related offences, including knowingly being members of a terrorist group.

Benbrika is charged with directing the activities of a terrorism organisation.

It is alleged the group was preparing to use explosives or weapons in pursuit of violent jihad, with the intention of coercing a government or intimidating the public.

All have pleaded not guilty.

During their committal hearing, the 12 men sat behind security screens in court but for their trial they will have more direct contact with their lawyers.

The case has attracted such wide interest that two courtrooms have been set aside for the proceedings – one for the defendants, judge and lawyers, the other to house the media.

The trial is expected to last up to nine months, and could run into the New Year and has already occupied more than a year of court time.