The three of the six accused for the murder of former TNA MP Nadarajah Raviraj requested a trial by jury yesterday when the case was heard before Colombo High Court Judge Manilal Waidyathilake.

The three accused include two navy personnel and a policeman. The three others, all former members of the LTTE Karuna faction are absconding court.

The High Court directed that it would give the order on allowing trial by jury on September 7, when the Attorney General objected, arguing that the accused have been charged under the Prevention of Terrorism Act which does not allow them to seek trial by jury.

Meanwhile the High Court judge decided that the trial should move on in absentia of the three other accused who are absconding.

The six individuals are charged on five counts including murder, aiding and abetting murder and conspiring to murder.

Raviraj died after being shot on his way to work on November 10, 2006. One of his guards also died in the incident. He was 44 at the time of death.

Raviraj, a former Mayor of Jaffna, entered parliament from Jaffna District in 2001 and again in 2004. He was fearless in expressing his views and generally sympathized with the LTTE.