Four villagers who allege Ben Roberts-Smith was involved in the unlawful death of an Afghan farmer faced the risk of violent repercussions from the Taliban if details about them were disclosed before a coming defamation trial, a court has heard.

The credibility of the villagers evidence was plainly in issue, Mr Moses said, as it was possible some witnesses could come to this court and tell an absolute lie or an absolutely fanciful story in contrast to other accounts.
Mr Roberts-Smith maintains he and another soldier known as Person 11 lawfully engaged with an enemy spotter in Darwan.
But Andrew Berger, QC, for the IGADF, called on Justice Wendy Abraham to refuse the application under public interest immunity rules, as the villagers safety could be in jeopardy if more details about their involvement were disclosed.
In this case the prospective harm for the people in Afghanistan is potentially barbaric punishment or death at the hands of the Taliban, Mr Berger said.
He said the integrity of the IGADF inquiry and future investigations would also be compromised if sensitive documents were disclosed.
Witnesses who gave evidence to the inquiry did so in the knowledge it was confidential, Mr Berger said, and the release of files in a civil case would erode confidence among potential witnesses in future investigations.
How could they have any confidence that what they say would be treated confidentially? Mr Berger said.
The AFP also opposed the application. Edward Muston, SC, for the AFP, said disclosures would create a prejudice against the integrity of the investigations and any charges that may be laid by revealing those who had spoken with federal officers.
Mr Moses said Mr Roberts-Smith was also concerned about the risk of violent retribution against him and his children.
He wears those allegations like a loaded gun every day, that hes an Australian soldier who engaged in war crimes against the Taliban, Mr Moses said.
We should pause for a moment and think about what the Taliban may do … if they ever got their hands on him or his family.
Christopher Mitchell, acting for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald, said the publishers didnt take a position on the application.
But Mr Mitchell asked the court to release documents connected to another Australian soldier, known as Person 35, who will be a witness for Mr Roberts-Smith at the trial. Person 35s lawyer raised concerns over fairness and identification in opposing the release.
Justice Abraham will rule at a later date.
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