Dresden, Germany  - The trial continued Tuesday of Alex W, accused of murdering pregnant Egyptian woman Marwa al-Shirbini in a courtroom in July, as a medical expert gave details of the knife injuries inflicted on the victim.

The second day of the trial continued amidst tight security. The defendant, a 28-year-old German citizen of Russian origin, agreed to remove the sunglasses he had worn throughout the first day.

The court is to hear testimony from a judge, a lawyer and a policeman who were all present on July 1, when Alex W stabbed al-Shirbini 18 times with a kitchen knife.

The attack, in which al-Shirbini's husband was also critically injured, occurred at an appeal hearing over a 330-euro (480- dollar) fine Alex W had been ordered to pay for verbally abusing al-Shirbini at a children's playground in August 2008.

The defendant, who police have described as xenophobic, was motivated by "pure hatred of non-Europeans and Muslims," the prosecution alleged.

The July 1 killing, in the same building in Dresden where the trial is being held, provoked angry reactions in Egypt and a death threat against the defendant.

The unemployed 28-year-old has been charged with murder, attempted murder and causing aggravated bodily harm. He faces life imprisonment if convicted.

The trial is expected to last 11 days, and involve 30 witnesses. A verdict is due November 11. (dpa)