Trial begins for 2 men accused of 'callous murder' of UK soldier Lee Rigby

London (CNN) -- Two men accused of mowing down a British soldier and hacking him to death in a London street went on trial Friday accused of his murder.

Michael Adebolajo, 28, and Michael Adebowale, 22, are each accused of murder, conspiracy to murder a police officer and attempted murder of a police officer, as well as possession of a firearm with intent to cause violence.

They deny the charges.

Prosecutor Richard Whittam told the jury that soldier Lee Rigby was the victim of a 'cowardly and callous murder' by men who wanted the public to 'see the consequence of their barbarous acts.'

The suspects deliberately attacked an unarmed man in civilian clothes from behind using a vehicle as a weapon, he said, 'and then they murdered him and mutilated his body with a meat cleaver and knives.'

The two suspects were flanked in the dock by seven security officers.

Adebolajo has asked to be known as Mujaahid Abu Hamza in court, and Adebowale as Ismail Ibn Abdullah. However, the court has continued to use their usual names.

Rigby, who was married with a young son, was killed on May 22 in the southeast London neighborhood of Woolwich.

Members of the Rigby family were in court Friday for the opening of the trial.