RIYADH, Feb 17: A Saudi court has adjourned the hearing for three weeks in a case in which three jailed Saudi reformists are facing the charge of calling for political reforms and constitutional monarchy.

At the beginning of the proceedings the defendants objected to the trial being held behind closed doors, relatives said. They insisted that proceedings be held in the open, as was done initially.

"The hearing will be held in three weeks upon the request of the prosecutor, because the prosecution needs time to present proof of new accusations presented today," a relative of one of the accused said. "The defendants refused to cooperate as long as the hearing is not opened to family members and the media," he added.