The trial opened on Wednesday at an Istanbul court over the death of a Turkish journalist known for his environmental reporting, rights groups said. Hakan Tosun, 50, was found unconscious after being assaulted as he walked home through the streets of Istanbul in mid-October. He was rushed to hospital but died of his injuries.
CCTV footage showed him being attacked by two men, aged 18 and 24, who were later arrested.
Two defendants Abdurrahman Murat and Adnan Sahin, who are in detention, are being tried on charges of "intentional killing" and if convicted face aggravated life sentences.
Rights groups and journalists wanted to attend the hearing but the court imposed restrictions, citing the small size of the courtroom, according to the Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA).
Lawyers' request for an additional courtroom was accepted so that those groups and journalists who were denied access were able to monitor the hearing from a separate room over the screen, it added.
Forensic evidence had showed Tosun died of a brain haemorrhage due to head trauma caused by blows with a blunt object that caused fractures to the skull bones and the face.
Tosun was known for his coverage and documentary work focusing on the struggle to protect the environment, urban activism and the fight against gentrification.
Rights activists have called for a full and independent investigation into his death.
Erol Onderoglu of Reporters Without Borders (RSF), who monitors the hearing, told AFP: "As RSF, we reiterate our call for the full truth to be brought to light, including whether the murder was committed in connection with journalistic activities."
