An Athens court hearing the trial of former judges, lawyers and businessmen implicated in a trial-fixing ring postponed until Thursday the trial’s launch following a series of appeals for postponement yesterday by defendants.

Former magistrate Constantina Bourboulia, one of the central figures in the alleged ring, has asked to be released from Korydallos Prison, citing serious health problems. But a prosecutor called for her request to be denied as she is to be released next month when an 18-month temporary detention period expires.

Several other defendants also sought a postponement.

But Evangelos Kalousis, another ex-judge charged with bribery and money laundering, said he wanted the trial to begin without delay. “I want to be tried, because I have been inside for two years and one of those years is illegal,” he said.