An activist is seeking permission from the Supreme Court of Appeal in Victoria to initiate a private prosecution against King Charles III, accusing him of genocide against Australia’s Indigenous population. Robbie Thorpe, 68, escalated his legal challenge after two lower courts declined to allow the case to proceed.

Thorpe's claim centers on the argument that the monarch, acting as Australia’s head of state, has failed to address ongoing social and economic disparities faced by Indigenous Australians. The Australian government is also named as a defendant in the case.

Indigenous Australians make up approximately four percent of the country's population but experience significantly poorer health outcomes and a shorter life expectancy compared to non-Indigenous Australians, according to official statistics. Thorpe contends that this disparity amounts to genocidal neglect.

If domestic legal avenues are exhausted without success, Thorpe has indicated plans to pursue the matter at the International Criminal Court in The Hague. “It’s clear that they’re unwilling, unable and reluctant to deal with these international legal issues like genocide,” he said.

The court heard arguments over a two-hour session before adjourning to consider their ruling. No timeline has been given for a decision.