KHARTOUM, Sudan: The trial of five Sudanese accused of killing a U.S. diplomat has been postponed after lawyers requested a bigger hall, complaining of overcrowding.

Judge Said Ahmed al-Badri set the next session for Sept. 11.

The defendants, including a former army officer and the son of a radical preacher, appeared in court Sunday, shackled hand and foot.

John Granville, 33, and his Sudanese driver were killed in the early hours of New Year's Day on the street in Khartoum.

Prosecutor Mohammed al-Mustafa said the defendants acted out of "religious zeal" but said Granville was a "coincidental" target.