Trump lawyer requests to suspend impeachment trial during Sabbath

David Schoen's request to postpone trial Friday sundown until Sunday presents managers with a scheduling dilemma

Donald Trump's impeachment trial that opens on Tuesday could take longer than expected after a leading member of his defense team requested that the proceedings are suspended during the Sabbath so that he can meet his obligations as an observant Jew.

David Schoen, 62, has written to senior figures of both main parties in the US Senate asking for an agreement that the trial is postponed from 5.24pm on Friday until Sunday so that he can observe the Sabbath. In the letter, reported by the New York Times, the lawyer apologises for any inconvenience, adding that the practices and prohibitions are mandatory for me ... so I have no choice."