SANFORD, Fla. (AP) — A Florida judge denied a defense request Thursday to let a handful of witnesses testify confidentially during George Zimmerman’s trial for fatally shooting Trayvon Martin.

Defense attorney Mark O’Mara asked that the witnesses be allowed to testify out of the public eye because of concerns for their safety about testifying at the trial, which starts next week. He said their testimony could impact the jury’s decision.