( CNN ) -- Two men accused of murdering an Irish teacher on her honeymoon last year pleaded not guilty when they appeared in court in Mauritius on Tuesday , police on the Indian Ocean island said . Michaela Harte-McAreavey , 27 , was strangled in her hotel room in January 2011 , just days after her wedding . Her widower , John McAreavey , has returned to Mauritius for the trial in the capital city , Port Louis . Family friends in Ireland said he had to battle through crowds outside the building to attend the Supreme Court hearing . Police in Mauritius say the accused -- hotel workers Avinash Treebhoowoon , 30 , and Sandip Moneea , 42 -- pleaded not guilty to premeditated killing . Local media say that as the case involves the killing of a tourist , there 's intense interest in Mauritius , and dozens of people crammed into the small courtroom for the hearing . Suspect in Irish newlywed death to appear in court . A jury of six men and three women was selected , and proceedings were then adjourned for the day , police said . Officers believe the newlywed was killed after interrupting a burglary as she returned to her hotel room . She was the daughter of one of Ireland 's best-known sporting figures , Gaelic football manager Mickey Harte , and was a winner of the Ulster Rose of Tralee beauty pageant title . Her widower has played Gaelic football at its highest level . Police say John McAreavey is scheduled to be among more than 30 witnesses expected to give evidence . His sister Claire McAreavey read a statement to media outside the court on behalf of the McAreavey and Harte families , appealing for privacy during the trial . `` This is a very distressing time for both our families , and the days ahead will be very difficult for us , '' she said . `` We hope that the media will understand that we are anxious that nothing will be said or done that will compromise or prejudice the due process during the trial . '' She added that the families would not be making any further statements during the trial , which is expected to last for three weeks .
Michaela Harte-McAreavey , 27 , was strangled in January 2011 just days after her wedding . The couple had been together for two years and were planning to get married later this year. Two hotel workers pleaded not guilty to premeditated killing , police say . Proceedings were adjourned after a jury of six men and three women was selected .