(Reuters) – A Minnesota judge on Monday delayed until next year the trial of two former Minneapolis police officers charged in the murder of George Floyd, citing the need to ensure fair proceedings.

Peter Cahill of the Hennepin County district courts ruled that Tou Thaio and J. Alexander Kueng will be tried in January 2023. The trial was originally set to begin this month. They are accused of aiding and abiding second-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter.

Cahill wrote that coverage by the media of the defendants’ guilty verdicts in the federal civil rights trial of February would be unfair. He also mentioned the May guilty plea of Thomas Lane (co-defendant) in the ruling. Lane pled guilty to aiding or abetting murder.

Lane, Thao, and Kueng all witnessed as Derek Chauvin (a fellow officer) murdered Floyd. He kneeled on Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes. This was in May 2020. Chauvin was convicted last year, and sentenced for more than 22 years. Floyd’s death sparked protests across the globe calling for justice and accountability from police.

Cahill ruled on Monday against defendants’ request for a change of venue, and denied the request from media to allow cameras or audio recording devices in the courtroom.

Cahill’s decision was addressed by Keith Ellison of Minnesota, Attorney General. Ellison stated via email, “It’s regrettable for the victims and witnesses as well as the community that there has been a delay in seeking justice.”