A jury has retired to consider the verdict in the case of an Iraqi man accused of taking part in a people-smuggling operation that culminated in significant deaths when an overloaded vessel sank more than two decades ago.
Maythem Kamil Radhi has pleaded not guilty to facilitating the proposed entry of at least five non-citizens into Australia between July 1 and October 19, 2001.
Over five days the Brisbane Supreme Court trial has heard from six passengers who were among hundreds who boarded a boat that came to be known as Suspected Illegal Entry Vessel X (SIEV-X).
The six, with 17 others, escaped before the SIEV-X sank, while another 45 were rescued, but a "significant number of lives" were lost when the boat sank on October 19, 2001 after leaving Indonesia, the court has heard.
Defence barrister Mark McCarthy said the jury had to consider what Radhi, now 46, did and whether at any time he had the intention to facilitate or make easier the proposed entry into Australia of at least five people.
There was an incredible level of determination by the asylum seekers to get on the boat, despite it being obviously unsafe, with the hope of reaching Australia, he told the jurors.
"Do you think that anything at all Maythem Radhi did in Indonesia ... for the 400 to 600 people was done with the express intention of their proposed entry to Australia being made easier?
"I suggest to you the things that he did - whichever of them you agree upon - made no difference at all."
Mr McCarthy also questioned in his closing address on Tuesday why the leader of the smuggling group Abu Quassey - who was sending people out in extraordinarily dangerous circumstances - would tell Radhi more than needed.
"What of this evidence makes you think Maythem Radhi isn't also a dupe?"
The Crown does not allege the now 46-year-old was a people smuggling kingpin, but instead that he was part of a group led by smuggler Abu Quassey, prosecutor Chris Shanahan said.
It is alleged Radhi did one or more things like collecting money, arranging buses, visiting places where passengers stayed before the journey and helping organise asylum seekers at the vessel's departure point on the beach.
Mr Shanahan told jurors the evidence of the six witnesses was remarkably consistent although 21 years had lapsed.
He argued a team of smugglers led by Quassey were motivated by money, selling places on boats to Australia for profit.
He referred to one witness who described Radhi's circumstances having changed - in that he had more money - after he started to work with Quassey.
The only logical explanation for Radhi's presence throughout is that he was a smuggler, Mr Shanahan said.
"His involvement was consistent, sustained and was hands on."
The court has heard Radhi was registered with the United Nations as a refugee and resettled in New Zealand after the sinking.
