Zvezdan Jovanovic is accused of pulling the trigger

The trial, in a maximum security court, has been hit by repeated delays since it started in December last year.

Judges have now split the case into two parts, leaving a further 23 suspects accused of a series of murders and kidnappings to be tried separately.

On Tuesday, the court dismissed a request to change two of the judges, saying it was impermissible.

One had been accused by defence lawyers of having links with a Belgrade mafia group which is rival to the defendants' own gang.

Sniper

Mr Djindjic was shot by a sniper as he left his car in Belgrade on 12 March.

Thirty-six people are accused of direct and indirect involvement with the killing, but only 21 are in custody.